The Instruments are HERE!

This morning, everyone at Skyview Elementary School was excited to find out that their long awaited outdoor musical instruments were finally being installed today! This was the final phase of the Skyview Harmony Garden ground breaking.

Skyview's music teacher and garden co-chair, Austin Aeschbacher, was on hand to make sure that the layout of the four instruments adhered to the needs of Skyview students. PTA President, Sarah Greenman, was also on hand to work out final installation details.

Please join Skyview's PTA and community partners in celebration of the completion of the garden by attending our work party on Saturday, September 10th from 9am - 10:30pm. We can't wait to show off the new instruments!

BEFORE

AFTER

INSTALLATION

PLAY TIME

Meet Skyview's New Garden Teaching Assistant

Samantha Zentner is not new to Skyview. She has been working with Skyview students and faculty as a parent volunteer and through our local Girl Scout chapter for the past two years! Her passion for gardening, eco-justice and education makes her the perfect addition to the Skyview Harmony Garden Family.

Sam will be on campus Tuesday and Thursday mornings to work with teachers, lead garden demonstrations, assist in the implementation of curriculum and to plan and oversee garden maintenance throughout the year. She will also periodically work with Skyview's Garden Club!

Below are some photos of Mrs. Zentner volunteering in the garden with students, her daughter and Girl Scout Troop 7775. Today is Ms. Zentner's first day on campus in her new role! So if you see her in the garden or in the halls at school, make sure you give her BIG "thank you" hug!

ABOUT MRS. ZENTNER:  Growing up in a small farming community in Michigan I often found myself assisting my family and neighbors in all sorts of gardening and greenhouse tasks.  From the age of 8 I worked long hours in the local farmers greenhouses perfecting my craft of seeding, transplanting and harvesting a year long crop. Never leaving the work of a full time job in the industry I found myself studying the craft and art of greenhouse sciences and botany at Grand Valley State University and taking numerous extension classes through Michigan State University and graduated college with a Bachelors of Art in early 2007.  From there I began my own floral and produce landscaping free-lance and worked full-time in the thriving industry of greenhouse chemistry through a local grower and Master Gardner.

 For the past 2 years my family and I have made Dallas our new home after a job relocation with my husbands career. From the occasional free-lance yard design to my own thriving patio garden (transforming it into an indoor greenhouse atrium for the winter months) my love for gardening and all things plants is definitely a labor of love and I look forward to sharing my passion for the subject with the students and faculty of Skyview Elementary School.

Welcome Coffee in the Garden on Aug. 22

Hey Skyview Parents! Have you had a chance to visit the Skyview Harmony Garden? No? Well, you're in luck because the Skyview PTA is hosting a Welcome Coffee in the Harmony Garden directly following morning drop-off on August 22nd (the first day of school). The tardy bell rings at 7:50am and Starbucks coffee with all the fixings will be served in the garden. We'll be there until 9:00am, so please stop by. This is a great chance for you to see the garden, reunite with old friends and meet some new ones! Even if you're in a rush, stop and grab a cup of coffee on your way to work. SEE YOU THERE!

Garden Work Party THIS Saturday

Hello Harmony Garden Enthusiasts! Our Back-To-School work party is happening this Saturday, August 20th from 9:00am - 10:30am. Unless there is heavy rain, we'll be there! Skyview PTA will provide cold beverages and snacks to all volunteers. If you're able, we ask that you bring a bag of compost or something to plant in the garden: either Texas natives, herbs or sun loving flowers for the school's front beds. If not, just come as you are! We're so grateful to have your energy and support.


We'll be using this weekend's work party to make headway on the following projects:

- Weed the paths and beds

- rake the gravel paths

- rake leaves up for use in the composter

- plant donated herbs, Texas natives and flowers

- remove any trash and leftover construction debris

- Install drip system

- Paint the lettering for "Skyview Harmony Garden" on the mural followed by the garden rules

RAIN PLAN
As mentioned above the weather station is predicting 80% chance of rain this weekend. If it's light, we'll proceed as planned minus the painted lettering of the mural. If there is a full on thunderstorm, please stay home!

Questions? Feel free to email us at skyviewgarden@gmail.com.