CPS teacher raises money for school's accessible garden

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Many school teachers go an extra mile when it comes to giving students an education.

One Chicago Public School science teacher spent her summer raising money for an accessible, enabling garden.

After receiving a $3,800 grant to start a garden, Neil Elementary School teacher Valerie Hardy needed $3,000 more, which she got.

"We made beads bracelets, we sold flowering plants, we solicited other areas and tried to raise money for the planters and the paving," Hardy said.

For 20 years, Hardy has been teaching science for grades six through eight at the school in the city's South Side.

"It was my idea but it was the students' love who made me feel really special that they wanted this so much for their school," Hardy said.

Principal Tawanne Knox says they are always trying to improve accessibility.

"We did just get a new computer lab that is ADA-accessible so that's wonderful," Knox said. "We have ramps by exits doors so I think we're beginning to get what the state requires."

Forty-eight percent of Neil's students are considered diverse learners.

"Meaning that they are low incidence, cross cat, severe and profound, some kids have limited mobility some have no mobility," Knox said.

The enabling garden was put together a month and a half ago.

"We're gonna plant in one particular area, we're gonna do prairie flowers, and in another area we're gonna plant garden flowers, which will hopefully attract the butterflies and draw other insects the students can examine," Hardy said.

"I'm never surprised with whatever Ms. Hardy does because when she sets her mind to it, Neil will have it," Knox said. "She wrote another grant for a kitchen garden which will be on the other end of our school and it will house vegetables and fruits."

"Next summer we're looking forward to going in the interior of the school and bringing the garden inside," Hardy said. "We have a garden outside, now we want it inside so everyone will have a safe haven to enjoy the beauty that nature can provide."

On-hand experience is always a great way to educate our students. For more information, visit www.cps.edu.