Country Isles Elementary School PTA Wins $54,780 Environmental Education Grant

Country Isles Elementary School's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has won a $54,780 grant award for Environmental Education Enrichment from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board. The grant is part of $1.68 million awarded to 68 organizations by State Farm in support of environmental responsibility service-learning projects across the United States and Canada.

"It's the most exciting news I've heard in a long time," said Country Isles Principal Mindy Morgan. "We are thrilled that our grant was approved for funding. Giving our students hands-on science experiences while teaching them the importance of taking care of the environment for future generations is invaluable," she said.

The PTA's winning environmental project aims at alternative energy, conservation and outdoor learning. The grant funding will enhance the school's curriculum by creating a special science laboratory for all classes to utilize, installing an outdoor gardening space for the third grade students, and establishing an Environmental Club. All aspects of environmental project include youth-directed, service-learning action.

The grant also provides an opportunity for Country Isles Elementary to partner with Plantation Elementary School to bring environmental enrichment activities to their students as well.

NOTE: Representatives from the State Farm Advisory Board will be at Country Isles Elementary School (2300 Country Isles Road, Weston) to present a check to the PTA, principal, teachers and students on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 10 a.m. Media are invited to cover this event (check-in at the school's front office by 9:45 a.m.).