Troop 459 Makes a Difference for GPES

Mrs. Haws would like to thank Cub Scout troop 459 for their service in the Glacier Park garden.  It was a rainy, cold day but these scouts were hard working and determined to make a difference in their community.  The scouts and their families jumped right in to help winterize and straighten the garden and green house.  They even planted a surprise garden that students at Glacier Park will enjoy in the spring. 

  Thanks so much for your selfless service!

Storm Water Management

BEFORE - Not an Effective Retention Pond

Glacier Park was designed and built with a retention pond to the east of the building behind the portables.  This area is a critical part of the surface water drainage system.  There are underground drains that spill into that area from the parking lot, portables, and other areas of the campus.  When it was inspected by the City this summer we received notice that it needed to be restored to proper standards, which means it needs to be a clear and functional pond.  Since it was not maintained for a number of years due to a misunderstanding of whether this was a school or city responsibility,  the area grew into a rather wild and wooded area.  

P and D Tree Service removed the trees and then a second company came and pulled out the tree stumps and hauled debris  and smoothed the base of the pond with proper fill materials.   The major change in the appearance has given rise to questions and concerns from some of the neighbors and many children who were concerned that we were cutting down trees.  

AFTER - Much More Water Retention Capacity

The retention pond was designed to collect and hold storm water runoff from the impervious surfaces around the school.   The water infiltrates or soaks into the ground slowly to disperse surface water runoff which prevents erosion and flooding, cleans and filter toxins from the water.  This morning after the rain we noticed that the water is starting to collect in the pond.  This project has been a great “real-world” opportunity to talk about storm water, pollution, and management of natural resources.

Post by Cathy Haws - GPES Green Team Leader

GPES - Over 300 lbs Donated!

Students work in the school garden at Glacier Park Elementary

Community Contributors!

Tomatoes, potatoes, corn, squash, cabbage, onions and pumpkin are a few of the vegetables grown in the school garden at Glacier Park Elementary. The garden is planted, tended, and harvested by two student groups, the garden club, and the green team. The garden is an outdoor, hands-on learning area where students can learn about planting seeds and growing plants. In addition, students learn about complex topics like sustainability, conservation, food systems, and life cycles. More importantly, students develop empathy and a greater sense of community awareness as they work collaboratively to contribute the quality garden produce to the Local Maple Valley Food Bank. This fall students have contributed over 300 lbs.of fresh produce to the food bank.

Thanks to GPES Green Team and Garden Club