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Just came across a really neat program called the Green Thumb Challenge, offered by the Green Education Foundation (GEF).  Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for parent groups, schools, and most importantly kids!

The purpose of the challenge is to introduce kids across the country to the joys and healthy benefits of gardening.

The program runs between February 1 and August 31, 2010 and has set the goal of 10,000 classroom and outdoor gardens. How cool is it to think of 10,000 schools and parent groups working together to teach their children more about nature, sustainability, and nutrition? Besides the obvious benefits of participation, GEF has teamed up with Lowe’s and is offering all participants $10 off a $50 purchase at Lowe’s, and the opportunity to be awarded a $5,000 grant in recognition of their garden project.

Think I’ll bring it up at the next PTO meeting, how about you?

Here’s the news recap for this week:

Found more great stories about schools and parent groups coming through for Haiti with creative ideas:

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/darien/newsnow/x1920347013/Glenbard-schools-host-fundraisers-for-Haiti

http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2010/01/29/news_update/252.txt

http://freehold.injersey.com/2010/01/28/freehold-twp-pupils-hopping-for-haiti-2/

Always happy to see articles about fun family events:

Mini golf:  http://www.cannonfalls.com/main.asp

Science Fair: http://www.morningsun.net/featured/x562888504/Lakeside-hosts-annual-Science-Fair

Fundraising, the good, the bad, and the ugly:

Good: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm

http://www.redbankgreen.com/2010/01/get-ready-to-keel-over-in-the-kitchen.html

Bad: http://www.ktvb.com/news/regional/Papa-Johns-franchise-short-changed-elementary-schools-83042432.html

Ugly: http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp

Remember, if your parent group  has been in the news and you’d like to share your story with other leaders email me at lgundlach@ptotoday.com and I’ll include your story in our round-up. If you are wondering how to get your school event in the news, be sure to read our article on how to write a press release.

This Margaret Mead quote comes to mind:  ”Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed citizens to change the world. Indeed, it has never been done otherwise.”

If you are looking for a way to get your school on the green team, check out our Go Green Night Kit. It’s a fun way to build community in your school and teach families about ways they can help the environment.

Is your PTO or PTA involved in any green projects? We’d love to hear what you are up to!

”With the current economy the way it is, it would be kind of nice for neighbors to help neighbors,” said Rodger Lippman, the PTA’s president and webmaster. “Items that may be obsolete for one person can go a long way toward helping someone else.”

Now, that’s the kind of parent group that will attract attention and make people want to join. Thought maybe your parent group would like to take this idea and run with it.

What does your PTO or PTA do to build community or reach out to neighbors? Jump in here and tell us about it.

Their fall grant cycle is now open. So, if your PTO or PTA  has a beautification project that you are not sure how you are going to fund, be sure to check out their website.  Also, if you want to see what some other schools are doing with their grant money, visit the Lowe’s Toolobox for Education Facebook page.

Working in conjunction with the non-profit organization, Michigan Green Schools, Rapid City Elementary is pledging to be more environmentally friendly and to educate students on the importance of good ecological and environmental practices.

This article is a must read for any school who is looking for ideas of ways to make their school more eco-friendly. Also, lots of great ideas about how to teach kids about conservation and the environment.

This recent article talks about how the Chipman Middle School planted an edible garden and plans to plant a floral garden in the fall. The school’s blog has some great pics of the project! Love this quote:

We feel proud and satisfied that our committee has achieved a major goal: Chipman Middle School will have a garden which adds beauty to the school campus, softening the cement and concrete; the garden will teach lessons in nutrition, science, discipline and patience; we have learned that we can come from many different places to work together.

Some great ideas. If your PTO or PTA is looking for a way to get families together and make a difference in your school and the environment, check out our Go Green Night kit!

Impressive.