Schools

Budget Cuts Bring Creativity To Wildomar Elementary

Absent funds for a field trip to a local community pumpkin patch, three years ago the teachers decided to make a pumpkin patch of their own for Kinder and Pre-K students -- with much success.

Budget cuts have forced educators to think outside the box, and some Wildomar Elementary Kindergarten teachers have found that, in some cases, doing with less can be better.

Absent funds for a field trip to a local community pumpkin patch, three years ago the teachers decided to make a pumpkin patch of their own for Kinder and Pre-K students -- and by all accounts, the creative shift has been a success.

The annual Harvest Celebration set for tomorrow transforms the school into a virtual-learning pumpkin patch. About 180 students outfitted in their homemade orange construction-paper hats and farmer or scarecrow regalia, will traverse an on-campus pumpkin patch, complete with real gourds on the vine, hand-carved decorations, hayrides via little red wagons, and games.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They will also learn the history and lore behind the bright squash. With their newly found knowledge, the kids will create a science book about pumpkins.

“I think it’s even a better experience,” said Wildomar Elementary Kindergarten teacher Dianna Boggs, noting that some kids are more relaxed staying on campus and they get to do more hands-on activities.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Boggs explained that when budget cuts trickled down to her school, it became obvious some things would go by the wayside.

“It got to be too much,” she said of the annual October trip.

But rather than axe the event, Boggs and other Wildomar Elementary teachers put their heads together.

“Maybe we could do a pumpkin patch here,” was the prevailing thought.

Wildomar Elementary Kindergarten teacher Krista Lammott said the on-campus pumpkin patch has been a success. It aligns with state standards and only costs about $2 per student, compared to more than $10 for the off-site experience, she said.

Lammott said that generally the youngsters do better on campus, in an atmosphere that feels safer to them. Additionally, the teachers can provide a learning environment not always found at off-site venues, Boggs said.

“Yes,” Lammott said, “I think this is better.”

Wildomar Elementary will also be substituting a Kindergarten field trip to Fire Station #61 with an on-campus event aimed at bringing awareness to October’s Fire Prevention Month. Boggs said that during the activity, parent firefighters will make presentations to the kids. 


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