Students from Northwest Middle School participated in a service project on April 22, revitalizing garden beds at The Towers at Crooked Creek, a senior living community near 79th and Michigan Road. About 80 eighth-grade students spent several hours clearing weeds, preparing soil, and planting in 25 garden beds as part of the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) community project.
The project aims to teach students about service, sustainability, and making a difference outside the classroom. According to IB Coordinator Rachel Bell, “We want students to see that their actions have a real impact on others. This project brought together so many parts of our community, and it’s helping students understand the value of service tangibly.”
Students also worked with local partners to secure donations such as plants, seeds, and tools for the effort. Bell said that beyond gardening skills, participants learned how to communicate across generations by building connections with residents: “Talking to someone several decades older is a real learning experience,” she said. “Its far different than speaking to your classmates in eighth grade.”
Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority according to the official website. The district serves over 30,000 students according to the official website through various schools and programs for families in central Indianapolis according to the official website. Superintendent Aleesia Johnson leads Indianapolis Public Schools according to the official website.
Bell believes projects like this one allow young people not only to help others but also develop leadership skills and empathy: “It’s a powerful example of students applying what they learn beyond the classroom through developing leadership, empathy, and a lasting commitment to their community.”
