San Jose, April 21, 2022: Gussie M. Baker Elementary School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, for its new garden and outdoor classroom serving students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - 5th grade. Joined by students, staff, district officials, parents, and sponsors, First Grade Teacher and Garden Committee Co-Lead Cindy Vanhoy cut the ribbon that officially launched the opening of Gussie’s Garden.
Named after the school’s namesake, educational legend Gussie M. Baker, Gussie’s Garden was created through special grants and dedicated volunteer work from parents and the community. This school garden and outdoor classroom features 9 raised beds, a sensory garden, a whiteboard and chalkboard, stump seating and tables carved from massive redwoods, a pumpkin patch, a large stone pollinator garden, stone succulent gardens, shade sail, a shed, weather station, compost bin, and 14 large native plants lining the garden perimeter.
“The students and staff are really enjoying having this new resource added to our community,” said principal Chris Barbara. “This outdoor classroom is being used to supplement so many important lessons happening inside the classroom, such as science experiments, math, poetry, and providing a really engaging space to explore.”
The Baker School Garden & Outdoor Classroom has been built over the past year and was completed on March 5, 2022, with the support and vision of Garden Committee co-leads Baker teacher Cindy Vanhoy and parent volunteer Natalie Richter. This project was made possible through grants and donations from Whole Kids Foundation, Raley’s, Valley Water, The Sereno Group, Monster Tree Service, Happy Hollow Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scouts, and the Baker Home & School Club.
The Moreland School District is home to several school gardens and outdoor classrooms and experiences. With the goal of focusing on social-emotional and academic growth through teacher-driven curriculum, outdoor learning spaces level the playing field for students academically and behaviorally, supporting students tremendously with hands-on, experiential core curriculum practices that enhance the cognitive and emotional processes important for learning. To learn more about Moreland and its seven schools, visit www.moreland.org.