Success Story - Shoreline Community Middle School Gardens

Amazing things can happen when you try something new.  Just ask Dianne Dennis, program manager for Shoreline Community Middle School in Victoria.  The school has been serving the community for 30 years, and much of their success stems from seizing opportunities.

Three years ago, Dennis learned that a number of seniors were uncomfortable attending evening computer courses.  “They understood it had always been that way; community access happened after hours.”  But Dennis saw a chance to break that mould and, at the same time, build on the school’s leadership program, which had already forged promising relationships between students and seniors.

“We found a way to offer weekday morning computer courses for seniors, and paired them up with student mentors in a brand new approach, delivering great results for all participants.”  It also created another opportunity.

“Two of the ladies coming in for classes were in the View Royal Garden Club, and they were at a crossroads in terms of their facilities.”  Holding meetings and shows at the school turned out to be a natural fit – and planted the seeds for a deeper, longer-term relationship.

These days, it’s not uncommon to see seniors from the club working side by side with students, tilling the ground and sharing knowledge.  A garden on the school grounds actively engages students with special needs, and students in an after-school program have developed six additional beds in a nearby community garden, with help from the View Royal club. 

Produce is sent home with students, giving participants and their families the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labour, as well as reinforcing the school’s “green” movement and emphasis on healthy active living.

Dennis calls the intergenerational cooperation “heartwarming beyond belief.”  And the spinoff benefits continue.  For example, veggies from the garden are used to help teach life skills like preparing healthy snacks, and teachers are keen to incorporate the gardens into their curriculum in other ways, too.

Meanwhile, back at the computer lab, there’s a waiting list for students who want to mentor seniors.  And View Royal Garden Club president Maureen Thompson says, “We hope to be able to expand our contributions to the school and children.  Perhaps we will see some of the students entering our shows in the near future!”