John Rex Charter School Celebrates Ribbon Cutting For Urban Learning Greenhouse and C.D. & Leona Welchel Garden
John Rex Charter School (JRCS) celebrated today the official opening of its Urban Learning Greenhouse and C.D. & Leona Welchel Garden. Located on the JRCS Elementary School property, the Greenhouse and Garden further supports the school’s vision of being known for innovative learning experiences, while maximizing the many partnership opportunities available with downtown Oklahoma City organizations that share a similar vision.
Designed by Renegade Design+Build alongside students from the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, the Greenhouse and Garden offer a fusion of nature and technology, where students will grow fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, while utilizing drones and iPads to monitor soil moisture and plant growth.
“This is a significant milestone for our school and the downtown community,” said Patrick Duffy, superintendent, JRCS. “The 1,000-square-foot greenhouse, complete with an outdoor classroom, programmable water system and raised flower beds, will serve as a living laboratory for our students. This fall, we will also introduce a 4,500-square-foot monarch butterfly garden, further enriching the hands-on learning experience.”
The Greenhouse and Garden were made possible by the O’Neal family, Devon Energy, Continental Resources, Whole Kids, Lowe’s, Rise Gardens and the OKC Zoo.
“This greenhouse represents not only the innovative spirit of John Rex, but the important role our school plays in the downtown community,” said Jennifer Monies, JRCS board chairwoman. “This is something completely unique. Families want to be part of it. Our students, including my own, will benefit immensely from this hands-on learning environment, and community organizations want to support it and the children of downtown Oklahoma City.”
To learn more about the Urban Learning Greenhouse and C.D. & Leona Welchel Garden and partnership opportunities, contact Garden Program Coordinator Ally Audas at aaudas@johnrexschool.org.
