A grant from Home Depot, plus the donation of time and materials from numerous community groups and individuals, has helped the South Orange-Maplewood School District transform the South Orange Middle School courtyard into a vibrant outdoor learning and community space.
Spearheaded by SOMS Chorus teacher Jake Ezzo, and SOMS Principal Dr. Lynn Irby Hill, the project took shape over several weeks — with Ezzo utilizing his knowledge and contacts in landscaping. Keyana Tenant, former SOMS HSA Co-President, helped move the vision forward by securing the grant from Home Depot.
The project culminated in a Community Build Day on August 8, with Home Depot team members and families, alumni, neighbors gathering at SOMS to do the hands-on work of bringing the student-designed courtyard to life.
The courtyard now supports student learning, gardening, outdoor programming, and community gatherings.
Students who participated in the SOMS Summer Experience played an important role in the process.
“They helped design their vision for the courtyard while applying practical math skills to calculate garden-bed areas, estimate topsoil needs, and consider project costs,” according to a release from the South Orange-Maplewood School District. “Students also participated directly in preparing the space by moving materials, clearing weeds, and power washing. Their work helped reveal the courtyard’s amphitheater, which had been hidden beneath years of overgrowth.”
Many locals watched the progress on social media.
On August 5, SOMA Tool Shares posted on its Facebook group, “Over the past week or so, grass was cut, weeds were cleared, and garden beds took shape. And when we, the community, heard, everyone jumped in. Of course, SOMSD Facilities helped transport materials and the SOMS administration pitched in and we, at SOMA Tool Share, supplied some tools, but the community at large, they jumped in with offers of plants, supplies, funds, and volunteer hours.”
As work progressed, Ezzo posted on SOMA Families on August 7, “We unpacked, organized, assembled shed bases, tools, wagons, outdoor seating, cleaned out the science shed, and assembled THREE free libraries (one for each student entrance!) A ton done, I made a call to my tree guy a short trip in Warren and took a drive in the rain for some donated fruit trees to make the space have some shade AND produce some fresh apples and peaches. Don’t worry, we got enough trees so they’ll pollinate each other. Who knew that five trees can fit in a Kia soul?”
Ezzo displayed the fruits of everyone’s labor on August 8 with an update and a photo gallery. “What a day! …. SOMS families and community showed OUT today! At our climax we had over 35 folks working at once; former, present, and future members, Home Depot foundation members, community members, you name it. The action started at 10:00 a.m. today, with myself and the last family leaving at 5:00 p.m., but the prep work started at 5:45 a.m. today!”
“THANK YOU SOMS FAMILIES, SOMA Tool Share, Maplewood Garden Club, The Home Depot Foundation, and the entire community!” wrote Ezzo.
However, the work is not yet done. Ezzo noted that another round of support is needed this Wednesday, August 12, at 9:30 a.m. for some additional planting, painting, building, decorating, gardening, and general cleanup.
“This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when a school community comes together around a shared vision,” said Principal Dr. Lynn Irby Hill. “So many people have contributed their time, resources, knowledge, and energy to create a space that belongs to our students and our entire community. We are #SOMSStrong, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this vision a reality.”
The school district credited the following stakeholders for the transformation, including:
- SOMSD Facilities Department, which assisted with transporting donated flowers and materials from Home Depot.
- SOMS Families, who donated more than 130 items through an Amazon Wishlist.
- SOMA Tool Share, which provided equipment to support the initial restoration work.
- Maplewood Garden Club, which helped fund materials including gravel, amphitheater stonework, and lumber for a new toolshed.
- SOMA NJ Gardening Facebook Group, whose members provided gardening expertise, tools, supplies, and native New Jersey plants.
- Home Depot, whose grant and team support helped make the larger transformation possible.
