Teacher Caroline Sienknecht cut the ribbon to officially open the Country Lane Elementary School garden.
Country Lane Elementary School
Opens New School Garden
San Jose, CA, September 18, 2025: Moreland School District announced that Country Lane Elementary School officially opened a new interactive garden at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The garden is located on the school campus, adjacent to Teresita Drive.
The outdoor area, which includes eight raised garden beds, seating areas and a sensory path, will serve as a new learning space for students to visit during recess. Plans are in the works to extend access to lunch time and the garden is also available for teachers to incorporate in their lessons. The outdoor learning space was a “dream project” years in the making, spearheaded by first grade teacher Caroline Sienknecht.
Funding for the project came from $30,000 in community grant money including the following generous donations:
- $15,000 California Teacher Association (CTA) Impact Grant
- $10,000 Sprouts Farmers Market Neighborhood Grant
- $5,000 Moreland Education Foundation (MEF) Grant
The plans became a reality thanks to more than 50 community volunteers from Westgate Church who took on the garden as a Beautiful Day project this past summer. Other volunteers included those from Christ Community Church (CCC) and three Eagle Scout projects completed by Country Lane alumni.
About the Moreland School District:
The Moreland School District has been a caring, learning environment of students, parents, staff, and community members since 1851. Moreland serves PreK-8th grade students across three cities in Santa Clara County. Moreland teachers educate approximately 3,800 students in four elementary schools, two TK-8 schools and one middle school. The Moreland School District offers a wide variety of programs to support each student in their academic, social and emotional growth.
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