Briefly describe the geographic location and composition of the population your organization serves.

Please limit your answer to 700 characters (approximately 100 words).

Midway Elementary School is located in western Pierce County, Georgia. The county is mostly rural and
agrarian. We have limited industry and a relatively small tax base. Located in southeast Georgia, the
2010 population of Pierce County according to the Census Bureau was 18,758. Pierce County is a low
wealth system.Current enrollment at MES is 474. The following subpopulations represent the diverse
needs of Midway Elementary students: Students with disabilities , speech, gifted and talented, EIP,
English learners, and migrant students. Our economically disadvantaged student population is 54%. The
racial profile consists of Hispanic, Asian, African-American, and Caucasian students.
What is the name of your proposed program? Minding the Monarchs
If not funded by a Mini-Grant, will the program
go forward?
No
Describe in detail the program activities, including how the students, educators, and caregivers will be
participating. Please limit your answer to 1400 characters (approximately 200 words).
In various grades, students learn about the life cycle of a butterfly and about how humans affect the
survival of a species. Minding the Monarchs will give them real life experiences to deepen their
understanding. The materials to create a Monarch Waystation, a butterfly garden tailored to the needs
of monarch butterflies, will be ordered from the Monarch Watch websites. Teams of students and
parents will research the plants and design the garden. Students, teachers, parents, and community
members will plant and tend the garden together. A monarch rearing kit will also be ordered. Students
and parents will have the opportunity to observe the life cycle of a butterfly first hand. After the
caterpillars pupate and become butterflies, they will be released into the garden at a community event.
After the first year, students will be able to observe monarchs that return to the waystation during
spring and fall migrations.
How does this program go beyond the basic curriculum? Please limit your answer to 1400 characters
(approximately 200 words).
After students have gained information from books and other sources, this program allows them to put
what they've learned into action. It integrates standards from all grade levels and gives them real-life
application. It also gives the community a chance to get involved in student learning.
How many sessions will be held? 10
What will the length of each session be? 1-2 hours
How often will sessions be held? Once a month
How many children do you expect to participate? 474
How many caregivers? 100
How many other participants? 20

Cost of Materials
Materials # of units Cost per unit Total
Monarch Waystation
Seed Kit
2 $16.00 $32.00
Seed Germination Kit 2 $12.00 $24.00
Potting Soil 2 $5.00 $10.00
Monarch Rearing Kit 2 $44.00 $88.00
Butterfly Display Cage 2 $110.00 $220.00
Total Cost $374.00