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Courtyard Pond Habitat (#1): This is the heart of Tuckahoe, representing Virginia’s ecological regions from the mountains to wetlands. Second grade students use this space to monitor air, soil, and water temperatures, and measure shadow lengths to complement lessons in math and science.
Gateway Garden (# 2): This “sensory” garden allows students in the pre-Kindergarten class to use their five senses (sight, touch, smell, hear, and taste) to explore the outdoors.
Beansprout Corner (# 3): Raised gardens provide a context for students in kindergarten to learn about science, math and how things grow. A life-size checkerboard or mini stage for dramatic play; a playground for physical activity; a sand box for tactile play; and picnic tables for group projects are included in this area.
Art Observation Patio and (# 4): A patio for art observation and inspiration is surrounded by perennial and butterfly plantings and a bird-watching area. This area is currently under renovation.
Peter Rabbit Garden (# 5): First grade students use a literary figure—author Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit—to plant seasonal herbs and vegetables including lettuce, peas, carrots, onions, radish and potatoes in the spring and squash, pumpkins, peanuts, and zucchini in early summer as a gift to the new students arriving in the fall for the harvest.
Greek Pavilion (# 6): Students in the third and fifth grade learn about ancient civilizations in the Greek Pavilion supported by Doric column and surrounded by classical evergreens and fig trees. The pavilion provides a life-sized environment for learning and contemplation. A renovation of the surrounding areas is underway 2010-2011.
Colonial Village (# 7): Fourth grade students learn about and re-enact colonial history in this area by growing and harvesting crops such as corn and flax, using tools, equipment, and materials of that time. Their work culminates in a Colonial Day presentation for parents and students in other grades, re-enacting the daily life of Virginians of that time.
Park Overlook (# 8): This area has changed dramatically during the last 10 years, to accommodate the classroom space (relocatables) necessitated by a substantial increase in student enrollment at Tuckahoe. However, students are still able to enhance learning about the environment and history through outdoor resources including Tuckahoe Park’s nature trail and amphitheater.
Parkside (# 9): In this classroom, third grade students learn about habitats and ecosystems, grow vegetables for the and reinforce lessons about ecosystems, habitats, weather, the solar system and math. A dry streambed restoration project is also located here.
The Friendship Garden (# 10): At the school entrance, this garden officially welcomes the Tuckahoe guest. It boasts a variety of beautiful plants and is a welcoming place to sit, meet or conduct a class. Note the patio of bricks engraved to honor students and friends of Tuckahoe.
Bova Family
Valerie Brennan
Elisabeth Casey
Christy Cole
Ravena Creedon
Jennifer Gradle*
Filmona Hailemichael*
Hillary Horn
Sandy King
Melanie La Force
Lindsay Levy
Michael Manning*
Stacy Mehlberg
Frank Meyers
Alison McDonald
Brian O'Malley
Melissa Pittard
Jessica Plummer
Romero Family
Ryan Family
Sampson Family
The Paul Silverstein Family
*Volunteers from the community