Special needs students at Sandy Creek High will soon have their own sensory garden to explore and enjoy thanks to the school’s SkillsUSA chapter and a $22,000 grant from Lowe’s.
Chapter members applied for the community service grant earlier this year through a partnership between SkillsUSA and Lowe’s that provides grants for chapter service projects. The Sandy Creek chapter was one of 31 chapters nationwide to receive a Lowe’s grant in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $25,000.
Children with disabilities greatly benefit from exposure to sensory gardens, as they provide a therapeutic and safe way for them to explore their senses. Sandy Creek’s sensory garden will allow the different levels of special needs students at the school to participate in hands-on learning using a variety of stations and interactive installations. Elements planned include water, musical, wind-powered, motion, and sorting features. The garden will be located in the renovated outdoor atrium classroom space located in the center of the school.
This is the chapter’s second grant from Lowe’s, having received a $2,000 grant last year as part of the chapter’s recognition as one of 24 National Models of Excellence for 2016. The chapter used the money to begin renovations of the atrium that included installing a stage for presenters and bleacher-style seating for students.
For the larger part of the renovation that is being funded by this latest grant, the SkillsUSA students will get assistance from the Lowe’s store in Newnan. The store will supply expert mentors, guidance, and volunteers to help in the planning and installation of the sensory garden. Work will take place during November and December with completion scheduled by January.
