At first, the Lower School had its K–2 Big Blue Garden. Now, it also has the Jin Xiong Wellness Garden and Outdoor Learning Commons for Grades 3–5 to continue their outdoor-based learning, and Pingry dedicated this color, collaborative space on October 1 (which happened to be “National Green City Day”, observed annually to recognize and promote the efforts that cities make toward becoming more sustainable and preserving green spaces).
“This new wellness garden and outdoor learning commons reflects Pingry’s enduring embrace of joy and wonder in learning, connection to community, and the importance of literally planting the seeds necessary for others to succeed,” said Head of School Tim Lear.
Lower School Director Dr. Alyssa Johns recognized the “incredible work of our internal team, whose dedication transformed an idea into this multidisciplinary outdoor classroom. Heather Smith (K–2 Science), Lindsay Baydin (K–12 Art), and Tyler Amelio (K–2 Art/Science and the Lower School Sustainability Coordinator) dreamed up this garden, designed the space, prepared the beds, planted, and integrated the garden into our curriculum. They’ve spent countless hours after school and on weekends sourcing the right materials and plants to make sure every detail was just right.”
Dr. Johns also recognized the Facilities Team, especially Building Trades Supervisor – Short Hills Bobby Wulff who played a key role in coordinating logistics, measuring, and planting, and Facilities Technician Mike Snock who built the garden beds.
“This garden is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to dream big and inspire hands-on, experiential learning,” she said. “We are excited to see our students learn, care for the earth, and grow their knowledge through the experiences and memories they create here.”
Mr. Amelio shared that the garden’s curriculum is built around the Lower School’s C.A.R.E.S. framework (Community, Aspire as a Team, Responsibility, Empathy, Self-Awarness), so the students will care not only for one another, but also for themselves, and learn what it means to care for other living things through environmental stewardship and sustainability practices.
Contact: Greg Waxberg ’96, Assistant Director of Communications, Writer/Editor