The Near North Board says a small classroom initiative at Sunset Park has grown into a school-wide movement and garden connecting student well-being, environmental stewardship, and community partnership.
Officials say the Mighty Gardeners Project was led by educators Jessica Blais and Deanna Riching.
It includes a pathway of student-painted rocks, called a Peace Snake, winding through two large garden spaces.
The board says students also cleared and prepared the garden beds and helped plant all of the new plants and flowers, noting the garden will continue to grow as a living classroom and community hub for years to come.
They say students explore well-being, identity, and belonging through a special book created for the garden.
It includes eight superheroes, from Captain Safety to Heart of Purpose, with each representing a condition from The Third Path approach to student success.
“These superheroes helped bring emotional and social learning to life in a way that was fun, empowering, and deeply meaningful,” states a release.
The garden project official opens on Monday afternoon.
