Since joining Green Our Planet’s community, Christel Polkowski has been inspiring students at E.W. Griffith Elementary with her passion for art, nature, and hands-on learning. Her journey shows how blending art and nature can spark curiosity and creativity in the classroom.
Mini-Bio
Name | Location: Christel Polkowski, Las Vegas, NV
I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I’ve been teaching for 19 years and have been teaching art at E.W. Griffith Elementary for the last 16 years. My family loves to go to school together every day. My husband teaches 5th grade at Griffith and our daughter is in the 2nd grade. In addition to teaching art, I run our afterschool Garden Club and co-coach Griffith Builders, our Lego robotics team. I love nature and enjoy birding and nature journaling in my spare time.
What has been the coolest or most memorable moment so far you've experienced with your students through GardenConnect or HydroConnect?
I don’t have a specific moment, but my favorite thing is how excited students get to do anything hands-on whether it be observing and drawing plants outside, taking plants inside to dissect and draw, or making artwork that represents something we’ve learned about plants or pollinators.
My favorite thing is how excited students get to do anything hands-on whether it be observing and drawing plants outside, taking plants inside to dissect and draw, or making artwork that represents something we’ve learned about plants or pollinators.
When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?
I didn’t plan on becoming a teacher until I was in college.
What's your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of teaching is connecting with students through art. I think that is why I enjoy garden and nature based education because it also taps into that sense of wonder.
What’s your least favorite part?
Meetings and paperwork are my least favorite part of teaching.
How has the GardenConnect or HydroConnect program impacted your school and students?
I don’t think we would have been able to get our outdoor garden going without the support and resources from GardenConnect and we would not have had the ability to incorporate hydroponics at all without HydroConnect. HydroConnect has especially made an impact on bringing plants into so many classrooms and involving more staff and students in the process.
How have you integrated GardenConnect and HydroConnect into your teaching routine?
I incorporate GardenConnect into nature based art lessons and I do HydroConnect lessons with my Garden Club students. I especially love the GardenConnect video lessons that include drawing diagrams.
What’s the most important skill you've developed on your path as a teacher?
I think over the years I’ve been able to adapt my creative thinking outside of just making art to help me solve problems in creative ways.
What are your future goals for GardenConnect and HydroConnect at your school?
I started a tile project last school year as a beautification project for our outdoor garden, so I hope to continue with that and do more to make our outdoor garden a more pleasant learning space. We’ve been working on a native plant garden as well, so I’m excited to see how that develops in the spring. Hydroponics has helped us get more teachers involved on our garden team, so I’m excited to see where that takes us.
What advice would you give to other teachers considering joining Green Our Planet’s programs?
My advice would be to take advantage of all of the resources available to you. Use the portal to get ideas and ask questions. Attend the Zoom classes regularly. I’ve learned so much from those, especially if you are someone like me that loves nature, but isn’t very knowledgeable about gardening, it is so, so helpful. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a lot of involvement or support at your school. There is a community right here ready to help and encourage you!
To learn more about our programs, join us at our next free 20-minute webinar.
