News Article

FSWC Charlotte Builds Class Gardens

Jul 31, 2015

JULY 31, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA – When students at Florida SouthWestern Collegiate-HS (FSWC) Charlotte return to class this August, they will a find new addition to their campus. This summer, FSWC Charlotte faculty and students built 10 gardens that will be incorporated into their instruction beginning this fall.

“We had some free space where two portable classroom used to sit,” said Matt Catanzarite, principal, FSWC Charlotte. “We wanted to use the space for something positive both for our students and our community.”

“The gardens will be tended to by students in the Personal, Social and Career Development Skills class,” said FSWC Charlotte chemistry teacher Blake Schmidt. “Our plan is to grow different crops including flowers, which we can then deliver to people living in nursing homes, and vegetables, which we can use in our cafeteria school lunches.”

The 4-by-36 foot gardens were constructed using 1,160 cinder blocks and 46 cubic yards of soil. With the help of Team Punta Gorda, FSWC Charlotte was able to obtain the cinder blocks and soil through a generous donation from The Mosaic Company.

“I was excited to work with this project because it is eco-friendly and all of the students will get to be involved,” said FSWC dual-enrolled student Haley Saine. “They will get to be hands-on, and they will get to see how their efforts benefit not only their school but their community as well.”

Students will begin planting their crops when the growing season begins in September.

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FSWC Charlotte is designed to provide students of all ability levels an opportunity to graduate with both a high school degree and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.  The teaching methods used provide students an engaging learning environment and opportunities to receive additional educational resources through the high school and Florida SouthWestern State College.  For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Charlotte County visit http://www.fsw.edu/wp/cchs/.

Last Updated: July 31, 2015