The following was excerpted from a letter to teachers, staff, gardeners and other contributors to the McKinley Community School Garden, from Ruth Persselin (Petaluma Bounty Gardens Coordinator)…

“I’d like to share with you some inspiring photos of the wondrous transformation that took place this past spring at McKinley Elementary School.  A magical plot of land at the center of campus sprung to life in a short 14 weeks under the stewardship of not just a few, but EVERY SINGLE CLASS,  grades 1-6.  It’s a great testament to all the teachers who participated in launching the McKinley School Garden Program, as well as to Principal Devine who made it possible for everyone to be involved. 

Every child in school had a hand in creating, planting, harvesting, and learning in the garden.  From singing songs and musical serenades, to mulching, measuring, magnifying, composting, worm-boxing, digging, shoveling, raking, bouquet-making, and ultimately sitting down to enjoy a school-grown salad, it was an unforgettable experience.   I would like to thank all of you for making it such a pleasure (and so easy) to be a part of such a joyful, meaningful group effort.

I would also like to thank the McKinley Community Gardeners for all their assistance, as well as the Washington Creek Boys & Girls Club who tended the school plots over the summer.”