When the community works together

It all started when Jennifer Carter, a teacher at Martin Elementary School in Lake Villa, received a donation of seeds.

“I knew that I didn’t have the space at my home to grow the seeds,” Carter said.

Her class decided to start the Adopt A Seed program which asked the school community to adopt a seed packet, do the research on the seeds, grow them, and keep them in their home until planting day.

“We had such an overwhelming number of school families as well as school staff who wanted to adopt a seed," Carter said. "Our amazing PTO Vice President, Joe Prindle, purchased some extra seed packets so that all who wanted to participate were able to.”

The next task was to get the flower beds ready. The community definitely stepped in and helped. Three companies donated a total of 6 yards of compost and 6 yards of wood chips. Many students, parents and staff gave up their weekend to move and spread the compost and wood chips.

“This has shown how invested families and staff members are in helping beautify Martin School. It is heartwarming to see young Martin leaders know the importance of contributing to their community,” Carter said.

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I like watching my seeds grow,” said Mia, a kindergarten student.

“I wanted to adopt seeds because I like growing plants with my mom,” a third grade student, Gunnar, said.

Twenty-one Martin families and staff members adopted seeds. The plan is to have the young plants that the families grew planted at school on Saturday, May 4.

“We have so many families signed up to help that day," Carter said. "This definitely shows that amazing things happen when we get the community involved.”