Have you visited the local schools lately? If not, you should check out the Business Partnership school visits.

This is a great way to learn what is going on in the schools and how you can help and partner with the schools.

I do a lot of work with the school system so when I was required to attend one of the Business Partnership school visits, I thought I knew exactly how things would go, but I was in for a surprise.

I had to attend one of the school’s visits because I am in the Leadership Rowan program. The one I selected was at Overton Elementary School. At the beginning, we were all greeted by excited student ambassadors in the pouring rain, with a most wonderful gift — an umbrella escort.

Once inside and going through the safety protocols, we met new ambassadors who guided us through the school to their media center, where a breakfast was provided and a presentation of the improvements was presented.

There were multiple student ambassadors who spoke on changes in the school, from changing the brick color in the media center, adding a garden sanctuary in the courtyard, to getting new technology.

Of course, with my interest in gardening, I was instantly excited to see the courtyard and the new greenspaces. After the presentation, we broke up into groups to see the new features of the school, attend the classrooms of our student guides, and learn what they do on a daily basis. Once the tour was completed, I did a tour of my own.

My first stop was in their courtyard, where they had a small pond with turtles. The children help feed them and have helped plant some of the plants that are growing there.

The last stop on my small expedition was their greenery space. United Way helped build garden boxes, and they are meant to be another area for the children to learn, play, and grow plants. I think the idea is very innovative. I would love to see more schools create these spaces.

Before I gave my goodbyes, I put a pitch in for a school garden. I hope I will hear something soon. Who knows? Overton may have a school garden for next year’s tour.

If you are interested in attending one of the Business Partnership Visits, check out this link: http://www.rss.k12.nc.us/school-visits. If you would like information on school gardens or how to get one started, contact your local Extension Agent, Danelle Cutting, at 704-216-8970.