Media Release
April 16, 2010
Communities in Bloom (CiB) is a program with a national slogan of “People, Plants, and Pride…Growing Together”. It encourages participation of all age groups and that is why Chatham-Kent CiB annually holds a Schools in Bloom contest. The 2010 competition’s May 7 deadline for entry is fast approaching!
Chatham-Kent‘s “top bloomin” schools will have the opportunity to win beautification dollars with which to further enhance their schoolyards. The most exceptional schools will receive gift certificates compliments of: Downtown Chatham Centre ($500), Wheatley Woods Native Plant Nursery and Garden Centre ($175), All Seasons Nursery and Flowers in Wallaceburg ($100) and Sherry’s Perennials in Cedar Springs ($100).
Schools are asked to describe their efforts in the following categories:
1) Clean up & Tidiness Effort
2) Environmental Awareness
3) Student & Community Involvement
4) Schoolyard Greening & Gardening
5) Curriculum Integration of Outdoor Spaces
Chatham-Kent Schools in Bloom will reward and recognize the most outstanding students, teachers, parents, and their communities. The national CiB judges will visit Chatham-Kent July 21 - 24, 2010. While here, the CiB committee will proudly include these school initiatives in the Municipality’s overall national entry.
“When a school takes the time to enter the competition, everyone wins!”, said Municipal CiB coordinator, Monica Moore. “The students and staff will receive well deserved recognition for their ongoing efforts, all participating schools receive a ten to twelve foot free tree in the fall and their sense of community pride continues to grow.”
Applications have been distributed to all Chatham-Kent Elementary and Secondary Schools, but can also be found at www.chatham-kent.ca or call 519.360.1998 for more information.
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EDITORS PLEASE NOTE - photo available by e-mail at ckcommunications@chatham-kent.ca
Caption: Last year’s winning school, Good Shepherd Catholic School in Thamesville, displayed its new Learning Garden to the National Communities in Bloom judges in August. From left, Councillor Steve Pinsonneault, national judge Jim Baird of Nova Scotia, CiB volunteer, Sandra Carther, Principal Lynn Moir and national judge Gerry Lajeunesse of Ottawa welcome a shady break in the school’s new garden setting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monica Moore, Communities in Bloom Co-ordinator, Municipality of Chatham-Kent Parks, Cemeteries & Horticulture, Community Development & Planning Services
Tel: 519.352.7354 ext. 4225 or e-mail: monicam@chatham-kent.ca