My Nonprofit Reviews

Leupp Schools, Inc. (LSI) is a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funded-school located on the southwestern part of the Navajo Reservation along the Little Colorado River. The school serves approximately 200 students in grades K-12 including the Family and Children Education (FACE) Program. The vision of LSI is, “Building the Future, Keeping the Past.”

In keeping with the school’s vision, LSI made plans to pursue a garden project on the school campus. During School Year 2015-2016, the high school students developed an action plan which they followed closely under the supervision and guidance of the high school math and science teachers.

By the end of March 2016, the garden beds were completed and installed accordingly as planned. Before planting, a harvest blessing ceremony was performed by a local Navajo medicine man to ensure a successful harvest and to ensure the successful learning of our students.

By the end of the first week in May 2016, the students finally planted flowers and vegetables in their respective garden beds. In the process of planting, unexpectantly, the campus beautification project emerged for the high school Botany Class. As a result, they placed three flower beds in front of the main school building and planted several rose bushes along the side of the main school building. The flowers are beginning to bloom and flourish, which truly adds beauty to the school campus.

This has been an exciting year for our students, particularly for the high school students who were involved with the hands-on learning project including manual labor. To actually see the outcome of their workmanship was highly rewarding for them. Planting was also a positive learning experience for all students, which was enjoyable for them. Watering the garden is another learning experience for the students because the seeds that were planted are now beginning to show signs of growth.

LSI is very grateful for the funding made possible through Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) of Phoenix, AZ for our harvest project. All of the materials, supplies and equipment needed for our harvest project were obtained with the PWNA funding. The project coordinator has been very supportive and extremely helpful in guiding us through the process. LSI now has a garden and we are now looking forward to harvest time. Thank you very much PWNA for your kind assistance and support.