Beck’s Beautification Team gets to work
The new school year began with a fresh start thanks to a group of six 6th grade students, unofficially known as the ‘beautification team,’ at Beck Elementary.
“The courtyard was plain, full of weeds, and looked like it wasn’t being well taken care of,” 6th grader Katelyn Gabriel said.
The ‘beautification team’ advocated for their idea to spruce up part of Beck Elementary School’s courtyard and gained the partnership of Beck Principal, Cara Parker, and 6th grade teacher, Melissa Rimas.
With the support of their families, the students purchased mums from the Beck Family Volunteers’ fundraiser for their project which entailed clearing out the weeds to make way for the new plants. The group plans to grow tulips in the space in the spring.
“It makes me feel so great because I know in my heart that when you say ‘yes’ first and show excitement around an idea, people feel safe and comfortable to have more ideas,” Parker said. “Now it has transitioned to beautifying the inside of the building – I love that they took ownership and are going with it!”
Interest in being a part of the “beautification team” has more than doubled from the initial group of students, and their ideas continue to expand and evolve. The next project they plan to work on is decorating the bathrooms throughout the school to make them more vibrant and cheerful.
“I’m so proud of them,” said Rimas. “They are role models, and I hope that this initiative continues and inspires other students year after year.”
The Beck Beautification Team that began this initiative includes:
Katelyn Gabriel
Fiona Gojcaj
Gianna Giannico
Colette Lepo
Taylor Maki
Reagan Olsei
Mila Sandoval