IPS 91 Rousseau McClellan Montessori, located at 5111 Evanston Avenue [QQ30 on map], is developing a garden project that is taking root this spring. The northwest corner of the school on Evanston Avenue is the only area that didn't have an educational gardening area on it. According to Amanda Lewis and Danielle Smith, "The Garden Committee received two grants during February and March to bolster the upcoming Montessori STEAM cut flower garden project. Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club provided a $1,400 grant and Native Plants Unlimited is providing a $200 gift card along with consultation from a native plant expert as an added boost to the budget. We've ordered raised garden beds from Vego. These will contain the cut flowers for teachers and students to cut and enjoy. Maria Montessori placed a large emphasis on children being connected to nature and the outdoors. Our committee's goal is to make that experience as easy as possible for our school family. Of course, we will need volunteers to help pull this off!"

The project will utilize a STEAM approach. Science: the study of plants, insects, nutrition, weather and science concepts, Technology: using garden tools to develop and maintain a garden, Engineering, skills to design, build, and plant a garden, Art: drawing pictures of insects and plants or creating bouquets, etc. and Math: promoting basic and advanced concepts.

Amanda Lewis and Danielle Smith are School 91 Garden Committee Co-Chairs for the MPTA. "We are focused on nature and beauty to enhance the Montessori teachings relevant from Pre-K all the way to 8th grade. The 91 STEAM Cut Flower Garden will be filled with flowering annuals and perennials, Indiana native plants, and a butterfly waystation. Thanks to leadership at 91, we are using an unused median space on the school property. We could not have made this happen without funding from: Kiwanis of Broad Ripple, Native Plants Unlimited, Andrea's Garden Center, and All Seasons Landscape Management. Our nearby community has really stepped up as a cooperative as well," Ms. Lewis explained.

Margi Higgs said, "I was the former principal there and followed what they were doing with this garden. As a member of the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club, part of my job is to write press releases to let the Broad Ripple community know what we are doing with funding projects that improve the Broad Ripple area. I was excited to promote this project so people can learn more about Rousseau McClellan Montessori School 91. Montessori classrooms at all levels nurture each child's individual strengths and interests. Montessori education encourages children to explore their world, and to understand and respect life forms systems and forces. Montessori education is self-directed and specifically encourages students to have hands on experiences in their learning process. Emphasis is put on the need to ensure that pupils learn by doing. Collaboration among them is encouraged as a method to improve their creativity. Students will spend part of the day working in groups as well as individually. Emphasis is put on the need for them to be creative as a way that will improve their potential in different aspects."

The school takes up a huge block of that neighborhood with approximately 575 students currently. Parents asked for permission to write a grant proposal to Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club for funding which was quickly funded. The Kiwanis Club earns the majority of its money that it donates by holding a Pumpkin Smash Event each year at the Half Liter Restaurant (5301 N. Winthrop). This year's event will be held on October 23, 2022.