Heights courtyard getting a makeover

The little-used courtyard in the high school section of the Wisconsin Heights building will undergo a complete makeover thanks to a “collaborative effort of students, staff, and community.” That last phrase was the cover slide for tech ed teacher Kris Hopper’s presentation to the board at their meeting Monday, April 24. Playing the role of reluctant leader, Hopper introduced the board to a key resource the high school students wanted to use: the current courtyard in the building. It sits pretty much unused and requires maintenance for the grass and the lone tree. Hopper’s students want to change that. Their renovation envisions a space with paths and benches for students to stroll through during lunch. Comments from students—according to the presentation—included: “The idea of this project is to build a garden that uses native plants. We will make paths that go to islands to where there will be plants growing.”  The project will include removing the grass completely and planting native wildflowers and greenery, while having a Kramer Family Tree Care donate their time to check on the tree. Finally, it has been a collaborative project between the tech ed and agriculture department, including input from the Heights’ Green Team. Greenhouse management will be involved in the ongoing maintenance of the courtyard. Hopper’s detailed cost breakdown ended with a total cost for the district that would not exceed $2,000. The board approved the project in a unanimous vote, responding positively to Hopper and the group effort. In administrative matters, with the new board member sworn in, the board elected officers. Barb Statz was elected chair of the school board.