Success Stories

Here is the feedback from Concrete Safaris’ mid-semester evaluations:

From CS Explorer Interviews & Written Evals…

• Describe any important successes you have experienced so far in Concrete Safaris.

*”To teach parents how to compost.”
*”One of the successes I’ve experienced so far is leading the hike up and down a hill.”
*”To be a good safety person. To be awake all the time. To help people properly.”
*”My grades have gotten a whole lot better.”
*”I have gotten better at hiking and exercising.
*”You can do anything about nature and it’s interesting.”
“I love gardening. It’s so peaceful and quiet. It’s like I have this secret space.”
*”I learned how to make a compost and to rake the dirt and what to put in a compost and what not to put in a compost.”

• What do you love about Concrete Safaris?

*”I love going on hikes and doing performances.”
*”I love hiking.”
*”I like that I can have fun and learn about nature.”

• What could be better about and/or what would you change about Concrete Safaris?

*”Nothing because it’s perfect.”
*”I don’t want to change anything about Concrete Safaris.”
*”I wouldn’t change anything.”
*”I wouldn’t change anything about Concrete Safaris. This garden is going to be great for the environment. It will be a home to all of the animals in the neighborhood!

From Parent Interviews…

• All CS Explorers’ grades have improved.

*”Yes, her grades have improved. She has more confidence and it’s because of you. She did not like to read, but she pushed herself and went from a 1 to a 3 on her verbal exams. Thank you!”
*”Yes, her grades have improved. She is still procrastinating, but her work level is higher.”
*”Yes, his test scores are better.”

• All CS Explorers have improved their fitness levels.

• Most have improved their diets.

*”Yes, she is trying to eat better.”
*”Yes, she is much pickier about her food. She is eating more fruit and vegetables.”
*”Yes, she is eating more fruit and drinking more water.”
*”Yes, he is exercising more. He wanted to use weights, but I wouldn’t let him. He is really getting into fitness. He does push-ups every night before bed.”

• All CS Explorers have a greater understanding of their connection to the eco-system and a sense of purpose.

*”Yes, she tells her little sister not to pick the tulips and to protect the earth for everyone.”
*”We can see the garden from our window at the back of the building. He told me he won a contest at his school for taking care of the earth. I care about the earth, too, and am really happy he is doing this so well. I’m looking forward to planting with you.”
*”He always had an interest in the eco-system, loves to play outside, loves to get dirty. He is much more focused.”
*”She started asking to play outside in the park even when it’s cloudy, more than before.”
*”Yes, she has learned about composting, gardening, and hiking. Yesterday, she was going on and on about it.”

• Most CS Explorers are better able to handle stress.

*”His behavior is better, too, and I haven’t gotten any calls from the school. His focus is much higher.”
*”Her attention to detail is much higher.”
*”She is much more focused and not bothered by the little things as much.”