Volunteers, parents, students, and staff were out in force this weekend and last weekend at Gulf Middle School to help improve the image of the school and its students. Principal Jason Joens say that he’s making an effort to change the school “from the outside in.” Parent Involvement Coordinator Amy Marin reached out to NewsPortRichey and New Port Richey’s Environmental Committee for support. Volunteers brought their own shovels, wheelbarrows, and other equipment to help out. The project turned into a learning opportunity for the students, learning about types of plants and proper care and installation.

Marin’s efforts paid off when Canterbury Farms, a nursery based in Hudson, deferred the cost of shrubs, palm trees, flowers, and bushes at a huge discount, according to Linda Cobbe, a Pasco Schools spokesperson. Canterbury Farms also sent their installation crews and trucks to help install the trees, Cobbe said.. The nursery’s owners, Peter and Annika Santangelo, have a child who attends the school.

Alumni donations also helped to purchase more than $600 in sod among other supplies.  Temperatures soared into the high 90s as the crews worked through the morning.