A Building and Grounds Management Policy was approved at the School Committee meeting last week. Facilities Director Brad Ford presented the policy in depth and emphasized the need for guidelines.
The policy highlights management steps including a detailed process and requirements everyone must now meet before planting approval is granted.
"A lot of plantings and gardens start as good intentions, but who inherits the problems of upkeep later?" Ford asked the committee.
With more than 85 acres of grass to mow, Ford said that managing the growth of gardens, trees and shrubs was beginning to consume an entire school year.
Now before a planting is approved by a subcommittee, a written request with a detailed diagram of the placement, upkeep and long-term maintenance plan must be submitted for approval.
To help maintain the integrity of the school district's properties, the policy states that no tree or shrub should be within 10 feet of a building foundation, sidewalk or tennis court, and ornamental flower beds must be lined with weed fabric.
Ford said the new policy is similar to an adopt-a-spot idea common across the state.
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First-grade students at Cashman Elementary School recently planted a tulip garden for Journey North Project. The Journey North Project is a Web site that helps students and teachers track the statistics of their garden.
Amesbury Elementary School students in Nancy Sullivan's class will plant their tulips this week near the AES welcoming sign.
Visit the Web site at http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/tulip_fall2008.html, to explore CES first-grade students' progress as well as other students across the United States.
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The John Greenleaf Whittier Chapter of the National English Honor Society at Amesbury High School is now accepting applications for membership. To apply a student is required to have completed six English credits with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and must submit a piece of writing. Student applications and essays are due by Friday, Oct. 17.
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Second-grade students at AES visited the New England Aquarium in Boston last Tuesday. Students were able to enjoy seeing sea life including the penguin tank. The students are currently studying ocean habitat.
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The CES chorus began practicing last week. The chorus has more than 85 members and will perform their annual Holiday Concert Dec. 19.
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Upcoming events:
The AHS Band will attend the University of Massachusetts Multiband POPS concert Friday, Oct. 17. Former AHS Band member and AHS student Abbie Doucette performs with the University's Minuteman Marching Band.
CES grade three and four progress reports will be sent home today.
CES Principal's Coffee will be held tomorrow.
CES Music Assembly Friday.
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Sabrina Cardin covers Amesbury schools for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3254 or by e-mail at scardin@newburyportnews.com.
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