Tilton, Consentino School Students Ready ‘Butterfly Garden’

New granite bench at Consentino School donated by Haverhill Rotarian Richard Atwood of Atwood Memorial Co.. (Courtesy photograph.)

Students from Tilton and Consentino Schools prepare the “Butterfly Garden” at Consentino School. (Courtesy photograph.)

Students from Tilton and Consentino Schools prepare the “Butterfly Garden” at Consentino School. (Courtesy photograph.)

Elementary school students, seeking a quiet spot to enjoy recess, are receiving help from Haverhill Rotary Club and the Haverhill Public School’s Discovery Club.

Tilton and Consentino Schools’ Discovery Club is dedicating the new “Butterfly Garden” today at the Albert B. Consentino School, Washington Street. Haverhill Rotary Club President Arthur H. Veasey said the project was an easy one for the club to get behind.

“We thought it was a great project to support. Really, it is not costing us much of anything,” Veasey said, explaining the centerpiece of the garden was donated by another Rotarian. Richard Atwood, of Atwood Memorial Co., is providing a granite bench made by his company. Veasey said the students’ plan was for the garden to attract butterflies. As such, Haverhill Rotary donated plantings and other elements.

Another view of the granite bench, as installed in the garden by Haverhill Rotarian Richard Atwood of Atwood memorial Co.

Another view of the granite bench, as installed in the garden by Haverhill Rotarian Richard Atwood of Atwood Memorial Co.

Veasey, however, said he was impressed by the involvement of Tilton School first, second and third graders in a park they won’t be able to use right away. “I think they were planning ahead for the time they will attend Consentino,” he chuckled.

The project was spearheaded by Tilton teacher Heather Cote as a way to “create an oasis for students.” Students took a day to landscape and plant items donated by Haverhill Rotary and zinnias donated by Nunan Florist & Greenhouses of Georgetown.

The Discovery Club, designed to provide activities for children outside of normal school hours, is paid by 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Haverhill Public Schools.

“This summer initiative was in response to the need for a quiet, outdoor space on the Consentino School’s playground area. Students felt that a reading, socializing and relaxation space would meet the needs of recess goers not wishing to run around playing sports or making use of gym equipment,” a Rotary statement said.

Besides Veasey, Haverhill Rotary Club officers Stacey L. Bruzzese, president elect, and Melissa Cerasuolo, communications chair, will be on hand for today’s garden dedication. In addition, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce will provide students with an official “Ribbon Cutting” ceremony to applaud their hard work and dedication to serving their community.

The Haverhill Rotary Club was chartered as Club 167 of Rotary International in 1914. Members exhibit the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self” by helping to build community institutions and raise money for dozens of area charities.