Kramer Student Returns to Share Expertise

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Jane and Mordechai Solimani sent their 4 children, Ellie, Leon, Robert and Monica to Arthur Kramer Elementary many years ago. They were always very supportive of their children and were very involved in school events and activities. Their youngest child, Monica, is following in her parents' footsteps by continuing to support Kramer. She is offering her knowledge and expertise as we work to continue rebuilding our garden. Monica is a recent graduate of the University of Texas in Austin. She received a degree in Environmental Science with certifications in numerous areas involving native plants, xeriscaping and companion planting. Until recently, Monica worked at Breed & Co., a nursery in Austin. She also has her own garden design and landscaping company, Rose's Secret Garden. She works with clients in Austin, Dallas and Houston.  When Monica heard about Ms. Southwick's work in rebuilding and developing Kramer's garden, she volunteered her help and expertise. She has visited the campus, donated numerous plants and seeds and worked with Ms. Southwick and the students to design a garden wonderland. In October, Monica spoke to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students and told them all about her education, career choice and her business. She shared information about garden design and garden beds.

The students then took the information and had the opportunity to take a bird's eye view map of our existing garden and plan how they would like to further develop our garden.

The students' ideas were considered when our Real School Garden Design and Dine meeting was held on Tuesday, November 5th.

Monica has moved back to Dallas and began working at the Dallas Arboretum Children's Garden on Oct. 12th. We are so proud of Monica's achievements and feel so honored to have a student return to Kramer and give back with her knowledge and skills. Our hearts are warmed when we see what our students achieve. We are also fortunate to receive 2 fig trees that were donated by her father. We look forward to eating delicious figs and making fig preserves.

                                         GO KRAMER COLTS!