Pope Farm Elementary School recently finalized a student-created art installation, thanks to generous donations from Carrington Lawn & Landscape and Middleton Farmers Cooperative.
The school-wide project began in May, when students painted bricks donated by Middleton Farmers Cooperative at the school’s annual Farm Day celebration. Advancing Learners and Math Specialist Kristin Pavelec helped organize the project, under the theme of “Our Hands Change the World.”
“The idea is we created flowers out of the bricks,” Pavelec said.
She took the lead with a group of third graders to highlight the idea of project-based learning. Third graders worked to take measurements and consider various design ideas, cost, placement, and materials needed for the project. They also helped determine the rules and expectations for the rest of the students on brick-painting day.
“Students are at the heart of a project knowing that each of them can make a difference,” Pavelec said.
Carrington Lawn & Landscape completed the installation on July 18 by pouring cement to lock the bricks in place and adding mulch.
“The end product looks amazing, and I still can't believe that Carrington donated all their time and energy,” Pavelec said. “Mark Thomas and his crew at Carrington were such a gift to the Pope Farm community. I couldn't have asked for nicer people to work with to make this project possible.”
The installation will be enjoyed by students when they return in the fall, and their artistic talents will be part of the school's campus for years to come.
“Anytime we can involve students, staff, and the community in a project that has a lasting impact is a win,” Pavelec said. “I’m so excited for students to return this fall and see the project completed. Their enthusiasm for creating art outdoors makes me wonder what possibilities are next!”
Check out more pictures of Pope Farm Elementary School students painting bricks and working with Carrington on the installation.