My name is Rachael MacIsaac Parker and I am incredibly honored and excited to step back into a role as Principal of an elementary school here in New Orleans. As I begin this journey, I am driven by a deep desire to give a lasting gift to our incredible students and their families – a gift that will nourish minds, bodies, and spirits for generations to come: a vibrant school garden.

Our students are bright, curious, and full of potential, but they face unique challenges living in an urban environment. Our school serves primarily Black and Latin families, communities with a profound and often overlooked history of agriculture and a deep connection to the land. Our neighborhood, while vibrant, lacks safe, accessible green spaces. Our new curriculum encourages nature walks, but finding true "nature" amidst busy roads and highways is not only difficult but often unsafe.

This is where you come in. We envision transforming a sunny patch of our schoolyard into a thriving oasis, a hands-on learning laboratory where children can truly see, touch, and taste where their food comes from. We plan to install five durable galvanized steel raised garden beds, filling them with rich, healthy soil, and planting a variety of non-toxic, delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs – plants like juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp lettuce, vibrant zinnias, and sweet figs, all carefully chosen to thrive in our New Orleans climate and be safe for little hands to pick and eat.

Imagine the impact:

Hands-on Learning: Students will learn about science, math, and nutrition directly from the soil, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Safe Green Space: Our garden will offer a much-needed, safe haven for our students to connect with nature, explore biodiversity, and enjoy the calming benefits of green space, right here in their own schoolyard.

Community Building: This garden will be a place for students, teachers, parents, and community volunteers to come together, nurturing not just plants, but also relationships and a sense of shared purpose.

What We Need Your Help To Do (Our Fundraising Goal: $5,000)

To bring this dream to life, we need to raise approximately $5,000. This will cover the essential components for our initial garden build in late September, allowing us to take advantage of New Orleans' ideal fall planting season:

5 Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Beds: Durable, long-lasting structures that will serve our school for years.

Bulk Soil & Compost: The foundation for healthy plants.

Seeds and Young Plants: A diverse selection of edibles and pollinator-attracting flowers.

Essential Gardening Tools: Shovels, rakes, hand trowels, and watering cans – sized for both children and adults.

Gardening Gloves: To protect hands and encourage participation for everyone.

Hoses & Nozzles: For efficient and accessible watering.

As a new principal, I am committed to investing in the long-term well-being and enrichment of this community. This garden is more than just a plot of land; it's a living classroom, a source of healthy food, and a beacon of hope that will last for generations. It’s a gift that embodies our commitment to fostering growth, learning, and connection, where every child can watch something beautiful blossom right before their eyes.

Every dollar, every share, every bit of support helps us sow the seeds of a brighter future for our students. Please consider donating and sharing our campaign with your networks. Let's grow something amazing together!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Rachael MacIsaac Parker