Focus on TUSD - December 2007

Growing Project
Davidson Elementary Names Tree Grove for West
The dedication program at Davidson Elementary School was supposed to be outside -- at the site of the new school and community garden. But a steady downpour the morning of Nov. 29, forced organizers to move the festivities into the library.

The altered location didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the fourth- and fifth-graders who planned the ceremony, or of the adults in the audience. Some, in fact, were downright happy.

"We know the rain is watering our new trees," said Tucson City Council member Carol West. "We like seeing all this moisture."

If she was happy, that was what counted, because it was her work to bring the garden to the community that was being honored. The 28 trees on the campus, donated by West's staff, are now officially called Carol's Grove.

The event was bittersweet for West, who retired Nov. 30 from her post after serving two four-year terms. "This is a wonderful way to end my term," she told the children seated in rows at the side of her podium. "This is just awesome. This park is something I dreamed a great deal about. It's been a high for me."

TUSD joined West in the project, along with Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, the Pima County Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, Mayor Bob Walkup, the city's Back to Basics Program and the Rillito Neighborhood Association.

The 18 students sang under the direction of Jane Yeager and gave West the Shel Silverstien book "The Giving Tree." West responded with a book for the school library, "Sing Down the Rain."

The park will have native plants, a large Ramada, a playground for handicapped children, as well as regular playgrounds, explained Zahra Mohammadpour, one of the fifth-graders who participated in the program. "Kids will want to come and take photographs," she said. "And there will be enough shade for everyone."

West said area residents would make good use of this park. Children who live in apartments in the neighborhood need a park, she pointed out, and the seniors who come to the center at Fort Lowell and Columbus need a track to walk on and a picnic table to sit at.

The park will feature tiles designed and painted by students and volunteers. The tile will be inlaid in stucco to form a wave pattern on a planter. Artist Jennifer Furrier supervised the project with the help of a grant.

Davidson students and the community are not finished celebrating. In February, when the park is complete, they'll gather again for a barbecue. West promised to come back.

-- By Sharon Dunham
Communications & Media Relations

TUSD - Proud Supporter of Small Classes

Photos in the December issue by Jes Ruvalcaba of Communications & Media Relations, unless otherwise noted.

The deadline to submit material for the January Focus is Friday, Jan. 11. The Focus will be published Monday, Jan. 21. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.