Philo Magnet Academy recently received a $10,000.00 Toyota Tapestry grant to help students create a Global Garden in the school's center courtyard.

Students from throughout the school and across grade levels will help transform the school's courtyard. The project will begin with Philo students working with middle school-age students from around the world to research soil and foliage similarities with our local environment. It is hoped that these discussion will help build lasting friendships and provide opportunities for continued discovery.

Next, students in Philo's science classes will research all aspects of soil composition, the individual roles of plants and aquatic life in an ecosystem, and how to maintain these separate but related ecosystems. Social studies classes will build on the partnerships with students from around the world to research cultural similarities and differences.

In math classes, Philo students will help plan the layout and design of the various areas of the garden. Language Arts classes will create poetry plaques and stepping stones to display throughout the garden.

Students also will develop a stewardship plan to maintain the beauty and integrity of the Global Garden.

Shari Brady, Connie Rogers, and Melissa Hinerman of Philo wrote and applied for the grant. Brady is a sixth grade science teacher. Rogers and Hinerman are magnet resource teachers.