May 1st, was a great success with many students and faculty in attendance to show off their green thumbs. Alderman Patrick J. O’Connor stopped by to lend a hand with the planting and to partake in the festivities. The afternoon included live music by the Bon Mots, fare from Heartland Café, kids’ activities, a raffle and a sneak peek at a new $800,000 solar panel project on the grounds.
Located behind the school is the Joy Garden, a multi-use site that showcases environmental initiatives and serves as an outdoor classroom for special education students. It features wildlife-friendly plantings; 35 tons of recycled
materials; sustainable elements such as a storm-water management system and permeable pavement; and handicapped accessible components like raised beds and wheelchair-height learning stations.
The Joy Garden is named in honor of project coordinator and Northside College Prep graduate Brianna Birman’s deceased aunt, Samantha Joy Birman, who was profoundly disabled.
To help educate everyone on the importance of an eco-friendly environment were:
