Estes Elementary School’s third/fourth-grade teacher Lauren Coomes has been named the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Teacher of the Year.
In the spring, Estes students were recognized for their accomplishments in art by the Daviess County Conservation Districts’ Art Poster Contest. That day, the group took notice of the Estes garden. After speaking with Coomes and learning about the amazing Estes Garden Day, the (DCCD) decided to nominate Coomes.
“I was shocked. It’s an incredible experience to win an award for something that I love to do. I’m happy to work in a district that supports creativity,” said Lauren Coomes, Estes teacher.
“Ms. Coomes is an innovator,” said Shari Flagg, Estes principal. “From the unique moveable desks in her classroom to the hands-on lessons she creates for her students. She is a special teacher with a passion that carries over to her students.”
The Estes garden was started last year when Coomes noticed that her students, for the most part, do not get exposure to the agriculture community because they live in the city.
“The garden makes the students excited. My students literally pull up weeds and bring them into class to ask what they are. We are incorporating real-world learning into our curriculum,” added Coomes.
Coomes will be recognized at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts convention on July 11, 2017, at 6 p.m. in Louisville.
“I’m hoping this recognition will create more partnerships for our program and inspire other OPS schools to start a garden,” said Coomes.
