California Native Waterwise Garden

Mrs. Cruz was awarded a REEF grant to create a California Native Waterwise Garden with her 4th and 5th grade students.

First, the class researched which California native plants that grow best in this area, including taking a walking field trip to such a garden on Victoria Ave. (This would make a great family field trip if you are thinking of planting a California Native garden at home. There are other waterwise gardens at the Family Literacy Center in Casa Blanca and at the Western Municipal Water District Building.)

Students then began to prepare the soil for their garden. They turned all the soil, put a layer of newspaper down, then put a layer of soil on top. (This is a tip they discovered when doing their research. It helps soil retain water and discourages weeds from reemerging.)

Then the planting began!
A layer mulch was applied to block light and keep weeds from sprouting. The students created a river of rocks, to not only add beauty and interest to the garden, but for drainage as well. A birdbath was also added to the garden to welcome birds.

Next, the students laid down a soaker hose, positioning it so that the water would be controlled around the native plants.

Lastly, enough mulch was added to cover the hose. Mulch does several things. It helps control erosion and helps balance moisture in garden beds. The sun can't bake the soil when mulch is shading it. Mulch, as it decomposes adds organic value to soil and it provided a uniform, finished look to their garden.

Be sure to stop by our California Native Waterwise Garden at Open House on March 31. We look forward to watching our garden grow and mature... just like our students!

(Thank you again to REEF for funding this project. To learn more about REEF and how you can contribute visit http://www.riversideschoolrrule.org/)

PLAY DAY!

All students in grades K-3 had the opportunity to see the production of Miss Nelson is Missing! on March 4 or 5. Students were very excited to see the real Viola Swamp. For most students, this was their first experience of live theater. They felt so grown up going to Riverside Community College and sitting in the Landis Theater.

Thank you Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF) for awarding our grant request. For more information about REEF and how you can contribute to this wonderful organization, visit http://www.riversideschoolsrule.org/.

REEF Grants Help Enrich Education

Congratulations to all the Victoria Riverside Educational Enrichment Fund (REEF) grant recipients! Victoria was awarded a total of nine grants totaling $6,424.

• Ms. Nelson – Miss Nelson Is NOT Missing! ($1500) This grant will fund admission for all Victoria students in K-3 to see a live production of the popular book, Miss Nelson is Missing! Students will learn what it means to be coureous audience members and enjoy live theatre.
• Kathy Railsback – I Speak. We Speak ($971) This grant will purchase interactive books, flannel board stories, picture cards, music and other hands-on material to help young English Learners and special education students develop phonemic awareness and language development skills
• Kathy Railsback - Write Away ($648) This grant will purchase Write-on/Wipe-off whiteboards to help Victoria's kindergarteners learn in all areas of the curriculum with a focus on reading and writing.
• Kendra Schwartz – Why Are They Measured in Inches? ($670)Violas are especially important to provide to students, as they generally cost more than violins and are an essential part of the string orchestra. Currently, Victoria School has two violas to loan. This grant will purchase two of the three violas needed for Victoria students.
• Kendra Schwartz - and Cello-The Big One! ($500) This grant will purchase one more cello to loan to students because of this partially funded grant request.
• Kathye Crumley – Sing to Learn: Musical Memory ($314) Young students in the Special Day Classes will learn a song each week that is linked to the curriculum objectives. Every month, the classes will recored a CD of the songs they have learned, with each student taking home a copy. In May, student will select 10 songs and make a music video to be shared at an assembly.
• Melissa Wilson - Instruments for Victoria ($500) Two trumpets will be available for loan to 5th and 6th grade students to participate in the band program at Victoria School becuase of this partially funded grant.
• Julianna Cruz – Going Native at Victoria ($821) This project will help transform part of the school into a native, water-wise garden. Fourth and fifth-grade studetns will measure the garden area, research the most water-wise native plants, buy the plants and design the garden demonstrating proper land management.
• Juliana Cruz - Victoria Green Team Makes a Difference ($500) Inspired by an Earthwatch expedition, this project will teach students to reduce waste and conserve resources by having them collect green waste at lunch time for a compost to be used in the school's garden and orchard.

A HUGE thank you to REEF for their part of making timelong memories for children in our Riverside schools!

To find out more about REEF and how you can contribute, http://www.riversideschoolsrule.org/