MSD Wayne Students Thrive With Help From Gillespie Florists

Thanks to the ongoing support of Wayne Township’s Gillespie Florists, students at Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center are learning the art of floral design.

“I would definitely say this is one of their favorite activities,” said Liz McNamara, teacher in the Thrive program for students with special needs at Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center.

Ms. McNamara reached out to Gillespie Florist on 10th Street last year to see if the shop ever had leftover flowers they’d be able to share. Sarah Gillespie, operations manager for the shop, said that occasionally they do.

“After the Valentine’s Day holiday, for example, we had some flowers to spare because we had stocked up,” she said.

Those leftover flowers were Gillespie’s most recent donation to Lynhurst’s Thrive program. Ms. McNamara’s students learn many things working with the flowers.

“They complete activities such as sorting the flowers by type, identifying those that cannot be used because they are too wilted, and counting them into dozens,” Ms. McNamara said. “They also cut stems and arrange the flowers in vases or bouquets, deliver the flowers, and pick them up when it is time to get rid of them.”

The process brings joy to students, and to Sarah Gillespie as well.

“To see students working with the flowers, and to know they’re putting smiles on the faces of those who receive them – it really makes you feel good.”

Gillespie Florists is one of hundreds of community partners that help make the MSD of Wayne Township a great school system. To learn more about our Giant Partners program, visit https://district.wayne.k12.in.us/giant-partners-2/.

ABOUT THE MSD OF WAYNE TOWNSHIP
The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township provides multiple pathways to success for more than 16,000 students, preschool through high school. Located on the west side of Indianapolis, MSD Wayne works in partnership with the Wayne Township community to help every learner achieve excellence. To learn more about MSD Wayne, visit www.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/msdwaynetownship/ and Twitter @WayneTwpSchools and @WayneTwpSuper.