GREENHOUSE CONTEST

Explorer Community School in Redmond is one of five Puget Sound area winners of the "Kids Are Growing" competition, sponsored by the International Greenhouse Company (IGC), the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC), KING 5 TV and PCC Natural Markets. Explorer, a Lake Washington School District Choice" school on the campus of Emily Dickinson Elementary, won a six-by-eight-foot greenhouse and $1,500 in grants to enhance its community garden. Established three years ago, the garden provides hands-on learning linked to science, sustainability and other curriculum. Explorer students and their parents work together to plant, harvest and prepare or cook the resulting fruits and vegetables.

The greenhouse will add more educational space outside of Explorer's portable classrooms and will lengthen the growing season — and in time, the school might participate in more community activities such as the Redmond Saturday Market. Explorer is also committed to donating much-needed, fresh produce to Hopelink's food bank.

KING COUNTY HEROES AWARD

Our teachers are committed to the environment and last year were among educators receiving the 2008 King County Earth Heroes award.  This award goes to schools and individuals that participate in the King County Green Schools Program and have made commitments as part of their school district to set measurable goals to conserve resources and encourage behavior changes that benefit the environment.  “These teachers are leading the school in two major projects that will cut carbon dioxide emissions. One teaches students about sustainable landscape and gardening practices, and the other provides fresh produce to the Redmond Food Bank. As a result, each Explorer student is not only aware of the complex environmental challenges we face, but is learning many tools to address those challenges.”

heritage foundation

Explorer Community School by the Heritage Foundation. This project included instruction to Explorer students by WSU hydroponic professor Dr. Jon Johnson, hands on experience in planting with native plants and sustainable gardening practices.