Graduating fifth-graders at Fairview Elementary School have left their mark in a big way before moving up to the middle school this fall.
The class last week dedicated a permanent brick sign that was erected in the school’s entryway along Dorseyville Road.
“It makes us feel proud,� said Emily Fera, 11. “This is our school and we designed it and we all put something into it.�
Staff and students hosted a ceremony to unveil the sign with surrounding landscaping that was the result of a project-based learning assignment. Principal Becky Stephan said teachers John Anderson and Mike Frank provided resources to the fifth-grade class but then were hands-off during the research and presentations.
“The children researched online and called nurseries to seek out information and they came up with plans for a design,� Stephan said.
The class was split into 12 groups that presented ideas to a group of four judges.
Students worked together to determine what flowers should be planted and drafted the composition.
“I’m very impressed with the teamwork,â€� Anderson said. “The winner was selected because it had a variety of bloom time. Based on the design, we should have blooms from spring through fall.â€�
The winning landscape includes butterfly flowers and other small foliage to beautify the school’s front lawn.
“It was a unique project,� said Jackson Romero. “Everyone shared ideas.�
Classmate Zane Gavazzi, 12, said there was a lot of thought about the project, including how tall the flowers should grow, how long they would bloom and whether they would be low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Sammi Dunlap, 11, said she enjoyed the work because it allowed students to be creative.
“It was all up to the students deciding what we wanted to do,� said Jack Penland.
Students who weren’t part of the chosen design team still can take ownership in the gift. The class raised $1,600 by collecting coins at home, Anderson said.
“It wasn’t just asking people for money,â€� he said. “They were supposed to help with chores or donate money that they had of their own.â€�
Total cost of the sign and landscaping was about $16,000; the balance was paid with anonymous donations.
District Assistant Superintendant David McCommons was on hand for the big reveal last week. He thanked the students for their hard work and wished them well as they move on.
“This sign will always represent Fairview as being a wonderful home to you students,� he said.
Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or tpanizzi@tribweb.com.
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