CHERRY VALLEY – The CROP (Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership) students of Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School are carrying on a tradition that began in schools nationwide in 1882. Several middle school students observed Arbor Day with an after school tree planting at the Old School in the village of Cherry Valley. The students have visited various establishments in Cherry Valley, and they are aware of the renovations taking place at the Old School. As these students brainstormed together, they all concluded that a new tree at the old school would be appropriate. After much discussion, it became apparent that the project could only succeed with outside donations. Several kids knew of people who could help, while others had suggestions of businesses that might support such a project. Generous donations and volunteer efforts came from Price Chopper, ACE Hardware, in Cooperstown, Wal-Mart and their associates, and parents and other community members. Thus far, CROP kids, as they like to be called, have managed to generate enough money and supplies to complete a successful tree planting, enabling them to participate in this national event. They are enthusiastic about helping out, and they have learned that even small steps can overcome big hurdles. The little red maple tree, planted Friday, will one day make a significant contribution to the landscape. These students will look on and realize their accomplishment. Other planting projects are in the works to beautify the grounds of the old school. CROP kids are learning that they can make a difference. The Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corporation has partnered with Cherry Valley–Springfield Central School in order to bring the CROP students into the community. Tamara and Richard Saba, mentors and chaperones for youth programs at the Old School Cafe, are community partners through the Facilities Corporation and said, through a press release, “A major focus of our work with the students is to heighten their community awareness and to inspire them to make a contribution. “We take them off campus so they gain a better understanding of how their community works, and they are encouraged to be creative about their involvement. Gestures might consist of sharing, evidenced when they exhibit their artwork for the public to enjoy. “ In the case of the Arbor Day observation, the initiative is greater: students must consider many details in order to bring such an undertaking to successful completion. Students of this age have excellent ideas and high energy; our task is to encourage, excite and enable them.” Their mentors are also interested in environmental awareness. Because trees play such a vital role in a healthy environment, each participant will receive a tree seedling to take home, plant and nurture. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has generously supplied the seedlings. The CROP after school and summer program is managed by ONC BOCES and made possible through a 21st Century Community Learning Center Partnership. The CROP program is a consortium of 16 rural upstate schools within the ONC BOCES district. The goal of CROP is to provide intellectual development and opportunities for academic achievement for students in grades K-8 with a strong focus on middle school. In addition, CROP provides enrichment, health, wellness, life skills, recreational and cultural opportunities for over 1,260 middle school and primary grade students. Since CROP’s inception in 2000, the program has brought in 14.5 million dollars to the ONC BOCES region and has served over 4,500 children. They employ approximately 200 part-time staff, and have a $2.8 million annual budget.
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