ActiveSGV is collaborating with the El Monte City School District and the Trust for Public Land on the Greening El Monte Schoolyards initiative, funded in part by the CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Green Schoolyards program. This project aims to transform Shirpser Elementary, Gidley Elementary, and Cortada Elementary into vibrant, green learning environments. Located in areas identified by CalEnviroScreen as disadvantaged, these campuses will benefit from new outdoor classrooms, expanded tree canopies, and nature-based play areas, significantly improving the educational landscape for over 1,300 students.

ActiveSGV’s involvement centers on robust community engagement and effective project management. We are dedicated to ensuring that the project not only meets but exceeds the community’s expectations by actively involving students, parents, and faculty in the planning process. Through workshops, surveys, and direct consultations, we gather invaluable community feedback that directly influences design and implementation, ensuring the new green spaces are both functional and cherished.

The transformation facilitated by the CAL FIRE grant is expected to yield significant environmental and educational benefits. By integrating natural elements into schoolyards, the project aims to enhance student learning experiences, improve air quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect, thereby promoting a healthier, more sustainable community.

For more information or to participate in the “Greening El Monte Schoolyards” project, please contact Jose M. Herrera at jherrera@emcsd.org. Your support is crucial to realizing this vision of a greener future for the children of El Monte.