RPS 205 Students Learn & Grow in Youth Community Garden

Grace United Methodist Church, Rockford Public Schools and a variety of community volunteers combined resources this summer to begin a Youth Community Garden.

The garden is making a difference in the lives of approximately 60 future and current RPS 205 students who live at The Grove at Keith Creek, a private housing development on New Towne Drive.

Live, Learn and Play funding from RPS 205 assisted a group of volunteers to work with The Grove children as they planted a garden and developed their social, behavioral and teamwork skills. The harvest was bountiful, and students took home vegetables, shared them with friends and family, and learned how to use them to make – and eat! – grilled pizza, salsa, guacamole, tiger fries, salad, and a variety of squash dishes.

Combining community resources can build a brighter future for our schools, our neighborhoods, and our city!

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Donnette Nailor

Donnette Nailor is a retired public school educator who works with the children and families who live at The Grove at Keith Creek. She seeks to build relationships with youth and children, especially by being outdoors in nature. Building networks of community resources and support to impact our city and the people who live here is one of her passions. Her other favorite activities include spending time with family, a daily walk (no matter the weather), and golfing.