Students enjoy science, outdoors at Ferris Junior High

FERRIS – Ferris Junior High school 7th grade Earth Science teacher, Ca1ylie Harris, has spearheaded a beautification project in the front of the Junior High School Building on FM660, east of I-45. 

This project is for the students to learn about horticulture and proper installation and maintenance of plant life.

Harris graduated from Texas A&M in 2019 with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries.

She chose teaching because she was an outdoors educator and wanted to introduce more students to connect with and enjoy the outdoors. 

She said, “I love seeing students grow throughout the school year.”  

This has been a long project starting with ground breaking between Dec. 2023 and Jan. 2024, by tilling and prepping the soil by adding compost and mulch. 

This effort was made possible through a grant from the TP&WD which the Ferris Independent School District applied for to be used at the Junior High school. Up to 50 students are involved with the groundwork and planting.

The National Junior Honor Society started helping this Spring along with the PTO helping to raise funds for the plants, irrigation system. 

Donations so far for this project have been supplied by Tex-Scapes Nursery and Landscape located in Ennis, and the Greenery in Waxahachie. 

Some of the native plants students will be installing will be Red Yuccas, Vitexs and dessert willow, Milkweed (attracts Monarch butterflies), bunny grass, Texas Sage, Turks Caps, Muhly Grass, various colors or Rose Rock. 

Students will also be installing crushed granite for walkways allowing all to walk among the plants and appreciate the their hard work and positive education.

Anyone or business interesting in assisting can make donations for this project which are still being gladly accepted can be call the Ferris Junior High School by calling (972) 544-2279.

Harris said they would like to have this project finished by the end of this school year in May, but the current spate of rain the area has been receiving is delaying the project.

Additionally, Harris is involved with students and parents providing the opportunity first hand to participate, experience and enjoy the outdoors provided through a grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.  

This program is aimed toward getting the whole family outdoors by being involved in camping, fishing, swimming and even some kayaking.

The grant from the TP&WD allows those not typically having the opportunity to experience first hand the outdoors. 

This is accomplished by learning from someone familiar with and sharing their knowledge and training by passing on to them the benefits of enjoying the outdoors.

“The opportunity to learn what is involved in camping and how to enjoy nature will be taught and learned on this field trip,” said Harris.

Approximately 50 students regularly participate, and will be led by six teachers plus Ms. Harris. 

On June 1, for just $20 per Ferris family, up to six members of your family will be able to participate in the great outdoors. 

The opportunity to learn about what is involved to go camping and enjoy nature will be learned on this trip.

“The full space reservation fee will be returned to all attendees who go out on this exciting fact filled trip, said Harris.

Any FISD family whose children attend school in Ferris are eligible to participate by contacting the school can learn about how to set-up a tent, how to cook outdoors on a campfire and safety around a campsite.

On this upcoming trip you will be kayaking at Purtis Creek State Park in Eustace, in Henderson County.

Also, the school offers random other outdoor experiences including indoor and outdoor rock climbing.

This proves not all education comes from just inside the classroom but also outside in nature your education can and will continue.