Tahoe Valley School creates Family Literacy Garden

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A summer-long project at Tahoe Valley Elementary School is now open to the public and the tree at the center of the love-filled efforts is in memory of student Marianna Zepeda.

The quiet, reflective garden area includes seating, a lending library and a tree dedicated to Marianna, a 4th grade student who passed away June 19.

"She was always happy and sunny," says Principal Christina Grubbs of the young student. "That is why we chose a sunny, yellow tree."

The school received a Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant and funds from the PTA and Cafecitos tamale fundraiser to create the literacy garden.

"We wanted to create a place where families could wait for students, grab a book," said Grubbs. "This is a place to help build literacy skills."

The new garden is a place for the neighborhood to strengthen a sense of community, enjoy nature and sit and read. When school is in session the garden will be the place students are let out of class for the day and parents will wait for them in the garden.

The garden is the result of work from Mario Alcala who put in the drip lines, laid the ground cover and designed the edging layout, and staff members Mr. Glenn and Gilberto who installed the benches. Glenn also came in on days off to remove the old grass with Grubbs' husband Jim. The principal was also involved in the summer project.