Briefly describe the geographic location and composition of the population your organization serves.
Please limit your answer to 700 characters (approximately 100 words).
Midway Elementary School is located in western Pierce County, Georgia. The county is mostly rural and agrarian. We have limited industry and a relatively small tax base. Located in southeast Georgia, the 2010 population of Pierce County according to the Census Bureau was 18,758. Pierce County is a low wealth system.Current enrollment at MES is 474. The following subpopulations represent the diverse needs of Midway Elementary students: Students with disabilities , speech, gifted and talented, EIP, English learners, and migrant students. Our economically disadvantaged student population is 54%. The racial profile consists of Hispanic, Asian, African-American, and Caucasian students. What is the name of your proposed program? Minding the Monarchs If not funded by a Mini-Grant, will the program go forward? No Describe in detail the program activities, including how the students, educators, and caregivers will be participating. Please limit your answer to 1400 characters (approximately 200 words). In various grades, students learn about the life cycle of a butterfly and about how humans affect the survival of a species. Minding the Monarchs will give them real life experiences to deepen their understanding. The materials to create a Monarch Waystation, a butterfly garden tailored to the needs of monarch butterflies, will be ordered from the Monarch Watch websites. Teams of students and parents will research the plants and design the garden. Students, teachers, parents, and community members will plant and tend the garden together. A monarch rearing kit will also be ordered. Students and parents will have the opportunity to observe the life cycle of a butterfly first hand. After the caterpillars pupate and become butterflies, they will be released into the garden at a community event. After the first year, students will be able to observe monarchs that return to the waystation during spring and fall migrations. How does this program go beyond the basic curriculum? Please limit your answer to 1400 characters (approximately 200 words). After students have gained information from books and other sources, this program allows them to put what they've learned into action. It integrates standards from all grade levels and gives them real-life application. It also gives the community a chance to get involved in student learning. How many sessions will be held? 10 What will the length of each session be? 1-2 hours How often will sessions be held? Once a month How many children do you expect to participate? 474 How many caregivers? 100 How many other participants? 20
Cost of Materials Materials # of units Cost per unit Total Monarch Waystation Seed Kit 2 $16.00 $32.00 Seed Germination Kit 2 $12.00 $24.00 Potting Soil 2 $5.00 $10.00 Monarch Rearing Kit 2 $44.00 $88.00 Butterfly Display Cage 2 $110.00 $220.00 Total Cost $374.00