Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
REAL SCHOOL GARDENS
Employer identification number
20-5946552
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
969,025
1,209,077
1,087,934
1,198,804
1,692,892
6,157,732
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
969,025
1,209,077
1,087,934
1,198,804
1,692,892
6,157,732
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
4,618,783
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
1,538,949
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
969,025
1,209,077
1,087,934
1,198,804
1,692,892
6,157,732
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
25,800
4,993
46,992
3,345
2,936
84,066
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
6,761
173
521
18,600
2,796
28,851
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
6,270,649
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
135,347
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
24.542 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
0 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2011 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2011 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
REAL SCHOOL GARDENS IS PUBLICALLY SUPPORTED ACCORDING TO THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES TEST. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS BEGAN TO OPERATE AS AN INDEPENDENT 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IN NOVEMBER 2007. BY JUNE 30, 2012, REAL SCHOOL GARDENS ESTABLISHED ITS PROGRAMS IN 81 HIGH-POVERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WITHIN FIVE NORTH TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND OFFERED SERVICES TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE REGION. DURING THESE FIVE YEARS, REAL SCHOOL GARDENS HAS PROVIDED DIRECT SERVICES TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONTINUOUSLY AND HAS GROWN THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS SERVED IN EACH YEAR OF OPERATION. OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES NOW REACH MORE THAN 45,000 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, 2,700 EDUCATORS, AND 1,700 VOLUNTEERS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR REAL SCHOOL GARDENS REACHED 24% FOR ITS FIRST 5-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 2007 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2012, EVEN THOUGH A $3,000,000 START-UP GRANT FROM ONE FOUNDATION REPRESENTED THE MAJORITY OF OUR REVENUE DURING ITS FIRST THREE YEARS OF OPERATION AS A PUBLIC CHARITY. SINCE EARLY 2010, REAL SCHOOL GARDENS HAS INVESTED IN A FUNDRAISING TEAM TO ENSURE ITS REVENUE SOURCES ARE DIVERSE AND BROAD-BASED. BY THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2012, ITS BROAD-BASE OF UNRELATED DONATIONS INCLUDED MORE THAN 20 FOUNDATIONS, 30 CORPORATIONS, AND 200 INDIVIDUALS. FOR THE SINGLE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2012, ITS PUBLIC SUPPORT REACHED 38%. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS ALSO RECEIVED ITS FIRST COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT FROM UNITED WAY OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS. (A SUBSEQUENT COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT FROM UNITED WAY OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS WAS ALSO RECEIVED FOR THE 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR, AN ENDORSEMENT OF OUR PROGRAM OUTCOMES). REAL SCHOOL GARDENS OPERATES INDEPENDENTLY FROM ANY FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE PROVIDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT. ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPRESENTS THE BROAD INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC AND CONTRIBUTES EXPERTISE FROM SECTORS SUCH AS EDUCATION POLICY, FINANCE, STRATEGY AND GROWTH, FUNDRAISING, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS. FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2012, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DID NOT INCLUDE REPRESENTATION FROM THE FOUNDATION THAT PROVIDED START-UP FUNDING. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS PROVIDES BOTH FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS RSG HAS BUILT OR ENHANCED 81 LEARNING GARDENS ON PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUSES. DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, THESE LEARNING GARDENS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO MORE THAN 45,000 CHILDREN AND 2,700 TEACHERS. AFTER SCHOOL HOURS, THE MAJORITY OF OUR LEARNING GARDENS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT DELIVER AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS DELIVERED TEACHER TRAINING SERVICES TO OUR PROGRAM SCHOOLS AND ALSO PROVIDED DISTRICT-WIDE TRAINING TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN FORT WORTH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE ORGANIZATION HOLDS COMMUNITY EVENTS EACH YEAR THAT ARE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS BIG DIG DAYS PROVIDE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS FROM LOCAL CORPORATIONS, UNIVERSITIES, CIVIC GROUPS, PTAS, AND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS. MANY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATE REGULARLY IN REAL SCHOOL GARDENS' PROGRAMS, SUCH AS THE TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICES AND THE BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS. THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS PROGRAMS ARE RECOGNIZED BY THE FIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN WHICH IT OPERATES AND SUPPORTED BY SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, PRINCIPALS AND EDUCATORS. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS OFFERS SPECIFIC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO ACCOMPLISH ITS MISSION AND IS ENGAGED IN A 3-YEAR PROGRAM EVALUATION CONDUCTED BY PEER ASSOCIATES, INC. MORE THAN 77% OF DONATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE ORGANIZATION'S INCEPTION HAVE BEEN INVESTED IN PROGRAMS. THE REMAINDER HAS BEEN INVESTED IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND FUNDRAISING NECESSARY FOR CONTINUING OPERATION.
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
REAL SCHOOL GARDENS
Employer identification number
20-5946552
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
AUTHORITY TO ACT ON BEHALF OF GOVERNING BODY
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 8B
THERE ARE NO COMMITTEES WITH AUTHORITY TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNING BODY.
REVIEW OF FORM 990
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B
THE FORM 990 IS INITIALLY REVIEWED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATION AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE DOCUMENT IS REFINED, IF NECESSARY, AND THEN PROVIDED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS - FINANCE CHAIR FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT. THE DOCUMENT IS REFINED, IF NECESSARY, AND THEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT. THE FORM 990 IS THEN FINALIZED AND SUBMITTED TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
ALL NEW EMPLOYEES ARE BRIEFED ABOUT THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AS PART OF AN ORIENTATION ABOUT STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR THE ORGANIZATOIN. THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS REVIEWED WITH ALL EMPLOYEES AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EACH JUNE, AS THE ORGANIZATION PREPARES TO KICK-OFF A NEW FISCAL YEAR. AT THIS TIME, EACH DIRECTOR, OFFICER, AND EMPLOYEE IS ASKED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IN WRITING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE POLICY. IN ADDITION, EACH DIRECTOR, OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE IS ASKED TO COMPLETE A DISCLOSURE FORM THAT IDENTIFIES ANY RELATIONSHIPS, POSITIONS, OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MIGHT REPRESENT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS SERVES AS THE COMPLIANCE OFFICER FOR THE ORGANIZATION, INVESTIGATING ANY REPORTED VIOLATIONS TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. FINDINGS ARE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, INCLUDING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND APPROPRIATE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ARE DETERMINED.
REVIEW OF COMPENSATION
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINES 15A & 15B
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LED BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, ESTABLISHES COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS AT REAL SCHOOL GARDENS. A COMPENSATION SURVEY OR STUDY IS USED DURING THIS PROCESS (I.E., PHILANTHROPY ROUNDTABLE'S COMPENSATION REPORT) TO DETERMINE A MARKET RANGE, AS IN BENCHMARKING WITH SELECT NON-PROFITS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH AN OUTDOOR LEARNING MISSION FOCUS. COMPENSATION IS FINALIZED WITHIN THE MARKET RATE RANGE BASED ON EXPERIENCE, EARNINGS HISTORY, AND RESULTS THE SELECTED CANDIDATE DEMONSTRATED IN RECENT ROLES. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS ESTABLISHES COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES IN THE ORGANIZATION, BASED ON MARKET RATE RANGE, EXPERIENCE, EARNINGS HISTORY, AND RESULTS DEMONSTRATED BY THE OFFICER CANDIDATE. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PRESENTS EMPLOYEE PROMOTION AND COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR APPROVAL.
AVAILABILITY OF DOCUMENTS
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19
THE ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL POLICY ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE PROVIDED EITHER ELECTRONICALLY OR VIA US MAIL, BASED ON THE PREFERENCE OF THE REQUESTOR.
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT AND SELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT. THIS PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR.
PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS
FORM 990, PART III - PROGRAM SERVICE, LINES 4A-4C
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: WE CREATE LEARNING GARDENS THAT GROW SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITIES TO BUILD LEARNING GARDENS IN LOW-INCOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND ESTABLISH AN OUTDOOR CURRICULUM THAT PRODUCES PROVEN ACADEMIC AND HEALTH BENEFITS. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS BEGAN WITHIN THE DALLAS AND FORT WORTH, TX SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AND NOW PARTNERS WITH 81 SCHOOLS AND ENSURES THAT MORE THAN 45,000 STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING OUTDOOR LEARNING TIME AND ROBUST HANDS-ON INSTRUCTION TO HELP THEM SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY AND PERSONALLY. SCHOOL GARDEN INSTALLATION AND SUPPORT: REAL SCHOOL GARDEN DESIGN EXPERTS WORK WITH SCHOOL STAFF, PARENTS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, OUR CORPORATE FUNDING PARTNERS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE KIDS THEMSELVES TO DESIGN A LEARNING GARDEN THAT'S FUNCTIONAL, BEAUTIFUL, AND TAILORED TO EACH SCHOOL'S SPECIFIC NEEDS. CHILDREN DESIGN THEIR DREAM GARDENS BY MEASURING OUT THE SPACE, PLOTTING THEIR DESIGNS OUT TO SCALE ON GRAPH PAPER, OR EVEN MAKING 3D MODELS. AFTER THE CHILDREN VOTE ON THEIR FAVORITES, OUR GARDEN EXPERT WORKS WITH ALL OUR PROJECT PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH GARDEN IS UNIQUELY TAILORED TO THE TEACHERS' NEEDS. BY INVOLVING EVERYONE WHO WILL BE USING AND CARING FOR THE GARDEN EARLY ON, THIS INCLUSIVE DESIGN PROCESS GENERATES A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP AND PRIDE. EVERYONE INVOLVED HAS A STAKE IN THE SUCCESS OF THE GARDEN, AND BECOMES INVESTED IN ITS USE, CARE AND MAINTENANCE. A THOUSAND PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN OUR DESIGN PROCESS THIS YEAR! AFTER OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS HAVE DESIGNED THEIR LEARNING GARDENS, IT'S TIME TO BUILD THEM DURING OUR BIG DIG! ON THE DAY OF THE BIG DIG, BETWEEN 200-300 VOLUNTEERS INCLUDING FUNDING PARTNERS, KIDS, THEIR PARENTS AND TEACHERS GET TO WORK, INSTALLING THE LEARNING GARDEN IN JUST ONE DAY. OUR BIG DIGS PROVIDE A TURNKEY DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS, AND REAL SCHOOL GARDENS TAKES CARE OF ALL THE PREPARATIONS, LAYING OUT THE PLANS AND MATERIALS AND PROVIDING THE EXPERTISE TO ENSURE THE BIG DIG GOES SMOOTHLY AND THE GARDEN IS BUILT TO LAST FOR YEARS TO COME. IN ADDITION TO PLANTING VEGETABLES AND PERENNIALS, TEAMS INSTALL SHADE STRUCTURES, SEATING AREAS, PATHWAYS, AND RAIN COLLECTION SYSTEMS. VOLUNTEERS OF EVERY AGE CONTRIBUTE VALUABLE WORK ON TEAM PROJECTS, TRANSFORMING A WASTED SPACE INTO A BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN A SINGLE DAY. NOT ONLY IS THE BIG DIG A FULFILLING DAY OF VOLUNTEERISM, BUT THE LEARNING GARDENS CREATED PRODUCE REAL LONG-TERM RESULTS FOR LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS HELD BIG DIGS IN SEVEN SCHOOLS LAST YEAR, WITH VOLUNTEERS PLANTING HUNDREDS OF VEGETABLES, HERBS, PERENNIALS, AND TREES, AND BRINGING IN MORE THAN 120 YARDS OF SOIL, AND ALMOST 200 SEATING BOULDERS. OUR VOLUNTEERS CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, ONE BOULDER AT A TIME. EDUCATOR TRAINING AND RESOURCES: OUR ACCREDITED THREE YEAR TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM PROVIDES CONTINUING EDUCATION TO TEACHERS IN OUR ON-SITE, HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS IN A STANDARDS-BASED CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO ENGAGE STUDENTS IN SCIENCE, MATH, READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS. BEFORE THE GARDEN IS INSTALLED, TEACHERS RECEIVE LESSON PLANS ALIGNED WITH ACADEMIC STANDARDS, SO THEY'RE READY TO START USING THE GARDEN ON DAY ONE. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS THEN SENDS OUR CERTIFIED TEACHER-TRAINERS OUT TO THE SCHOOLS TO DEMONSTRATE LESSONS LINKED TO THEIR CORE CURRICULUM. 92% OF TEACHERS SAY THAT REAL SCHOOL GARDEN TRAININGS ARE DIRECTLY ALIGNED WITH CURRENT ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND OUR LESSONS ARE EASY TO IMPLEMENT WITH STUDENTS. SCHOOLS THAT ALREADY HAVE A LEARNING GARDEN MAY ALSO BENEFIT FROM OUR CURRICULUM AND OUR PROVEN TEACHER TRAINING SERVICES. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS TRAINED ALMOST 700 TEACHERS THIS YEAR. IN ADDITION TO OUR ON-SITE LESSON DEMONSTRATIONS, WE ALSO HELD 17 OFF-SITE TRAINING SESSIONS FOR TEACHERS FROM MULTIPLE SCHOOLS. EVERGREEN SUPPORT: REAL SCHOOL GARDENS PRODUCES LIFE-LONG LEARNING RESULTS BECAUSE WE INVEST HEAVILY IN LONG-TERM LEARNING GARDEN SUPPORT AND TEACHER TRAINING. EACH OF OUR 81 PARTNER SCHOOLS ELECTS ONE "GARDEN COORDINATOR" AS THE SCHOOL'S POINT PERSON AND LEADER OF THE OUTDOOR LEARNING PROGRAM. AND AFTER ALL THE OTHER TEACHERS FINISH OUR RIGOROUS THREE-YEAR TRAINING PROGRAM, IT'S THE GARDEN COORDINATOR'S JOB TO ENSURE THE GARDEN IS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE, IS WELL-USED, AND CONTINUES TO THRIVE. THEY RECEIVE NEW PLANTS AND GARDEN SUPPLIES, PARTICIPATE IN CONTINUING EDUCATION SESSIONS, MEET WITH EXPERTS AND MENTORS, CONNECT WITH A NETWORK OF PEERS, APPLY FOR GARDEN ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS AND HOST CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS EVEN HOSTS SEVERAL CELEBRATIONS EVERY YEAR TO HONOR ALL OUR DEDICATED PARTNERS. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: IN ADDITION TO BUILDING LEARNING GARDENS AND TRAINING TEACHERS, WE ALSO OFFER OUR PARTNERS SEVERAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS TO FURTHER ENRICH STUDENTS' LEARNING EXPERIENCE. THESE INCLUDE: SCHOOLYARD HARVEST - ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS PLANT AND GROW VEGETABLES AND HERBS, THEN PROFESSIONAL CHEFS SHOW KIDS HOW TO COOK EVERYTHING FOR A BIG COMMUNITY DINNER. THIS SEED TO TABLE PROCESS CONNECTS CHILDREN TO THE FOOD THEY EAT, ENCOURAGING THEM TO COOK THEIR OWN MEALS AND EVEN GROW THEIR OWN NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS FOOD. CHILDREN WHO NEVER DREAMED OF EATING TURNIPS, GREEN BEANS, AND LETTUCE TAKE PRIDE IN PREPARING THEIR VEGGIES FOR A FUN COMMUNITY DINNER. SMART POTATOES - REAL SCHOOL GARDENS PARTNERS WITH SCHOOLS AND THE BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS TO HAVE CHILDREN SPEND 100 DAYS GROWING POTATOES TO DONATE TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES. THIRTY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED THIS YEAR, AND REAL SCHOOL GARDENS EQUIPPED TEACHERS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF LESSON PLANS SPECIFIC TO POTATOES. IN THE END, ALMOST 3,000 KIDS GREW 621 POUNDS OF SPUDS TO DONATE, AND IN ADDITION TO THEIR ACADEMIC LESSONS, THEY LEARNED THAT IT FEELS GREAT TO GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED. REAL SCHOOL GARDENS, REAL RESULTS AT REAL SCHOOL GARDENS, OUR VISION IS TO ENRICH EVERY CHILD'S EDUCATION THROUGH LEARNING GARDENS. TO ACHIEVE THIS, WE BUILD LEARNING GARDENS IN LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS AND TRAIN TEACHERS HOW TO USE THEM SO THAT STUDENTS BECOME SMARTER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE. SMARTER: AFTER GIVING CHILDREN HANDS-ON OUTDOOR LESSONS IN SCIENCE, MATH AND LANGUAGE ARTS, REAL SCHOOL GARDENS TEACHERS HAVE SEEN A MARKED INCREASE IN STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, A KEY INDICATOR IN LONG-TERM ACADEMIC SUCCESS. STUDIES SHOW THAT REAL SCHOOL GARDENS INCREASE STUDENT TEST SCORES, A PRIORITY FOR LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS. CHILD-EDUCATION EXPERTS HAVE DESIGNED OUR CURRICULUM TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE STUDENTS SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR LESSONS MORE FULLY. OUTDOOR LEARNING SPARKS CHILDREN'S NATURAL CURIOSITY, BRINGING BACK THE JOY OF DISCOVERY THEY CRAVE. HEALTHIER: IN ADDITION TO THE ACADEMIC BENEFITS OF LEARNING OUTDOORS, REAL SCHOOL GARDENS ALLOW CHILDREN TO GROW THEIR OWN PRODUCE. STUDIES SHOW THAT CHILDREN WHO GROW THEIR OWN FOOD ARE MORE LIKELY TO EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, SHOW HIGHER LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NUTRITION AND ARE MORE LIKELY TO CONTINUE HEALTHY EATING HABITS THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES. AND SIMPLY SPENDING TIME OUTSIDE WORKING IN THE GARDEN INCREASES STUDENTS' VITAMIN D LEVELS, REDUCES SYMPTOMS OF ADD AND ADHD, REDUCES STRESS, AND IMPROVES STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL INTERACTIONS. ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE: EVERY REAL SCHOOL GARDEN IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SCHOOL'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY COLLECTING RAINWATER, PREVENTING RUNOFF AND EROSION, CREATING COMPOST AND SUPPORTING NATIVE PLANTS AND WILDLIFE. IN ADDITION TO IMPACT OF EACH PROJECT, EVERY REAL SCHOOL GARDEN STUDENT WILL BE IMMERSED IN AN ENGAGING CURRICULUM THAT PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FOR YEARS TO COME. CHILDREN IN LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS OFTEN HAVE LITTLE ACCESS TO A GREEN ENVIRONMENT, AND KNOW LITTLE ABOUT THEIR ROLE IN KEEPING THEIR ENVIRONMENT GREEN AND HEALTHY. THEIR REAL SCHOOL GARDEN GIVES THEM A SENSE OF THEIR PLACE IN THE WORLD, AND A SENSE OF PRIDE IN TAKING CARE OF IT.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.