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Austin Road Elementary (ARES) is on a mission to create an inclusive, sensory-rich learning environment for students of all backgrounds. Thanks to generous funding from McDonald's, ARES is expanding its outdoor sensory garden, providing a unique space for environmental education, cultural exploration, and hands-on learning for over 700 students, including those in special needs classrooms.
STEAM teacher Andrea Rowe applied for the grant with the vision of bringing the sensory garden to life—and to her surprise, ARES won the funding!
The garden promises to have far-reaching benefits, enhancing not only academic performance but also students’ emotional and social well-being. The outdoor space will serve as a calming environment for reflection and mindfulness, while also encouraging collaboration and fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Students will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening, animal life, and water systems, as well as engage with a variety of educational features, including a greenhouse, garden beds, and irrigation systems.
With the combined support of McDonald's and the Oconee Soil and Water Conservation District, ARES is laying the foundation for a sustainable educational garden that will benefit generations of students, encouraging environmental awareness, cultural respect, and hands-on learning.
Thanks to these grants, ARES is creating a truly unique space where every student can learn, grow, and contribute to the community.