ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Location:  500 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205

Website:  www.sjoa.org

Description:  Over the past several years, SJA has focused on improving its academic curriculum and educational programs.  Recently, they have wanted to focus on the “outer beauty” of the school.  The "families supporting faculty" group (equivalent to a PTA) raised money for a playground that was installed in September, 2008 and kept the ball rolling since.  Plants, trees, shrubs and mulch have been added all around the school and are all doing very well.  Across the street from the school was an otherwise unused parking lot that has had the asphalt removed and replaced with a permeable gravel and mulch.  Temporarily, raised beds have been built for a vegetable garden with the intention to eventually build a ground-level garden.  Rain barrels have been erected around the bus barn on the lot and held up with remains from the original asphalt.  Science classes have been using the gardens to help illustrate teachings about ecology and the environment.  Produce from the garden will be sold at the annual “French Market” every September and leftovers will be given to local food banks.  Many neighbors have already taken a strong interest in the “parking lot” garden and it should see more and more people out there as the years go on.