ANNADALE -- To many adults in the neighborhood, the large area outside PS 36 may have looked like an empty piece of land, unused and unloved. But the budding environmentalists in fifth-grade see something different. To them, this space promises to be outdoor, nature-friendly classroom.
The staff at Citizens Committee for New York City agreed with the students and awarded the enterprising youngsters with a grant from the Mollie Parnis Foundation's Dress Up Your School program.
Thanks to the grant, the students have established an ecology team to transform the outdoor space into a garden that will feature native plants and adjustable wooden benches to serve as workstations, come spring. Meantime, students have been learning in class about what qualifies as native plants and wildlife on Staten Island. They are also studying soil conservation and teamwork.
"This outdoor garden and classroom is going to let everyone know that PS 36 students care about the environment here," said Anthony Maisano, one of the participating students.
"Students can use the outdoor classroom as a hands-on science lab or a roofless classroom where reading and writing can be inspired; the possibilities are endless," added teacher Lorrie Brown.
"Public schools have very limited resources to begin with, but the example set by the students of PS 36 constantly reminds us that New Yorkers will never run out of inspiration and resourcefulness," said Peter H. Kostmayer, president of Citizens Committee of New York City, who accompanied City Councilman Vincent Ignizio (R-South Shore) on a recent tour of the garden area.
Meanwhile, two more borough schools will get Mollie Parnis grants from the Citizens Committee, it was announced.
On the North Shore, PS 16 in Tompkinsville, will use its grant to grow a garden where students will learn to compost. Flowers and herbs like parsley, thyme and basil will be planted. Students will study in class about different soils and how conditions influence plant growth. They are also planning a spring garden festival.
At PS 22 in Graniteville, an existing "Children's Garden" is being renovated for use as an outdoor classroom.
The Citizens Committee is currently accepting applications from public schools seeking spring grants. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 14. Teachers can visit www.citizensnyc.org or call 212-989-0909 for more information.