With the heat of Summer still upon us, we’ll be starting up our courtyard activities a little later in the year. Our 30+ saplings have fared well with the drip irrigation system and continue to thrive. Our empty 5,000 gallon rainwater tank is waiting patiently to be filled again. As soon as the weather starts to break our girls will begin preparing and planting the seven raised bed gardens, for some fresh fall veggies.
This 2011-2012 school year we will continue to have monthly courtyard work days to work on maintaining and developing the courtyard area landscaping. Courtyard work days are a fun, family friendly way to help our school and build community. ARS students get Service Hours for their participation. All workdays are on Saturdays, if there is bad weather we will cancel and send out a notice. Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2011-2012 work days:
- October 1st, 2011 > 9-12
- November 5th, 2011 > 9-12
- December 3rd, 2011 > 9-12
- January 7th, 2012 > 9-12
- February 4th, 2012 > 9-12
- March 3rd, 2012 > 9-12 > Same day as the annual 8th grade Washington DC trip Garage Sale Fundraiser.
- April 14th, 2012 > 8-11 > Come show the new ARS parents and students attending the New Student Orientation your school spirit and stay for the 4th Annual Family Cook-Off from 11-1.
- May 12th, 2012 > 9-12 Last workday of the year!
Interested in helping out as a Committee Member to assist in planning and organizing our courtyard activities? Volunteers needed, no experience necessary! Contact Mark Penniman at markp@austin.rr.com or (512) 349-2890 for more information.
Help us to realize some future goals:
- Solar Classroom/Lab >> ARS was one of 15 AISD schools to be awarded with a Federally funded solar lab through Austin Energy. There are plans for a ribbon cutting ceremony and some talks by Austin Energy and Lighthouse Solar personnel. Click Here to view a pdf file of the solar lab design and functionality. Click Here to look at a photo of a near completed solar lab at Pleasant Hill Elementary.
- Green House >> Our students, through the Envirofair fundraiser, have raised a significant portion of the money needed to complete this project.
- Courtyard Awning >> Shade for the West facing cafeteria wing wall = Happier and cooler students = Less $$ the school spends on AC
- Privacy Fence >> Ms. Goka would like a semi-private fence line along the West parking lot, so that the courtyard is not fully exposed to passers by. Any ideas on how to transform the current 5ft. chain-link fence into something semi-private invited.
- Walkway and landscaping >> The front of our school needs some landscaping help. A hard pathway from the west parking lot to the front entrance and some native plants would be a nice addition and greatly appreciated by our HS girls who park there.
- 2nd Rain Water Tank >> An additional 5,000 gallon tank will help us to continue watering our trees and raised bed gardens with renewable rainwater through the dry spells.
The Ann Richards School – Courtyard Project Mission Statement
The Ann Richards School courtyard is intended as a natural, outdoor space that is inspiring, sustainable and provides a living classroom for its students. A place to gather and play, study or relax, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Through the use of mostly native plantings, edible gardens and the wildlife both attract, the courtyard will demonstrate environmental cycles and their relationship to the sciences, while providing opportunities for creativity and learning. The courtyard will foster an appreciation of nature for the whole Ann Richards community.
Click on the image below to download the ARS Courtyard landscape plan.
