Meet the Featured Fellow-Beverly Keane

Introducing…Beverly Keane, our next Featured Fellow.  Beverly is a very dedicated educator who energetically believes in the power of GREEN! Beverly’s strong love for gardening led her to apply for a grant dedicated to developing new green spaces in urban areas. The grant allowed her to create a play space at her school that contains flower boxes and perennial gardens. The grant was given by Openlands, a Chicago area non-profit organization. The garden genuinely sprouts new learning and valuable lessons in understanding.

Keane states, “I also teach three grade levels of health class and enjoy linking the nutrition unit to our garden. Students enjoy gardening and watching the seeds they plant come to fruition.”

The students of Mark Sheridan Academy are responsible for the complete planning process.  Students begin with outlining a plan and measuring the area. They often choose a fun theme in their design. Then the planting begins! Students and their families care for the garden, even during breaks.  A Harvest Festival is held each Fall when the kids return for a new school year.  They taste a variety of dishes from different cultures relating to the food they harvested.

“This culminating experience is a joyful celebration of our learning accomplishments and fortification to get us through Chicago winters to the next planting season.” What a great way to taste true success!