Transforming the Garden: Mendoza Elementary Unites Students and Community

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, students at John F. Mendoza Elementary School in east Las Vegas joined volunteers from the community to enhance their school garden. What was once a barren area with a few raised beds was transformed into a vibrant space with the help of 161 volunteers and a local landscaping company that brought in 44 tons of crushed rock.

Together, they constructed wooden benches, painted a cheerful dinosaur mural, and created a “River of Kindness” by decorating river rocks with positive messages. The garden offers students the opportunity to learn, express themselves, and cultivate fruits and vegetables while fostering a sense of community. Principal Rebecka Christensen noted that the garden had become neglected over the years due to budget constraints and nearby construction, making this revitalization effort particularly meaningful.