Friday, October 19th, 2012 was a great milestone for John Muir Elementary School and CommunityGrows. John Muir School was CommunityGrows’ (formerly Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group) first partner back in 1994 when we started teaching the students science in Koshland Park and Garden a half block away. We have maintained a presence in the school all these years, and have advocated for the greening of the school in many ways. Aside from taking the pre-K to 5th graders to the garden most school days, we’ve offered training for the teachers, double-dug a garden in the front of the school—with sidewalk trees and planter boxes, supported the development of its PTA, and advocated for a green schoolyard. This advocacy became a reality in October when students, parents, teachers, neighbors, Starbucks employees, students from Drew High School, and CommunityGrows BEETS (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) and staff planted trees and flowers in the newly renovated and transformed schoolyard. Principal Chris Rosenberg was on hand to roll up his sleeves and spread good cheer. It was great to see the spirit and enthusiasm of parents and teachers. The YMCA Western Addition Beacon after-school program was out in force as well. We are so proud of this beautiful new space and happy to be involved in this wonderful school. Thank you John Muir! To see more photos, check out our CommunityGrows Flickr photostream.