AJ School News

Abington Heights Middle School has received a $5,000 grant from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation to transform the school’s courtyard into a Native Plants of Pennsylvania Ecological Classroom and Science Learning Center. Abington Heights Middle School is one of two area schools to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects this school year.

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Shown in front of the Abington Heights Middle School, from left, are: Michael Elia, Debbie Belknap and Michael Freidlin.

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The project will involve landscaping the courtyard with trees, shrubs, flowers, and perennials native to Pennsylvania. Plants will be selected to create a natural wildlife habitat for insects, birds and small animals, and bird and bat houses and feeders will be added to attract wildlife. Benches and tables will be built from materials native to Pennsylvania.

The Middle School Parent Teacher Organization applied for and received the grant, based on a plan developed by seventh grade science teacher Michael Freidlin and Assistant Principal Michael Elia. “We are extremely excited about this tremendous opportunity to have our students working together to beautify our school courtyard while learning more about the nature of our state. This project will leave lasting impressions for all future students,” Assistant Principal Elia said.

“Creating the project is part of its educational value,” according to PTO President Deborah Belknap. Parent groups may apply by visiting www.toolboxforeducation.com. Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions.