Julien Elementary School students have a new outdoor eating area thanks to the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant.

The area, an original slab of cement with an old wooden fence, is now a gated garden terrace with three trees, 14 tables, umbrellas, galvanized receptacles, and a bench.

“Last year, I worked with the director of maintenance and operations, Scott Richardson, and the director of child nutrition, Scott Soiseth, to formulate a plan for a dedicated outside eating area," said Julien Principal Linda Murphy-Lopes.  “Their help and support along with additional funding of $3,120 from the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant helped make the dream a reality.”

The area seats 110 to 130 students and is a popular setting for classes to work on projects in between the lunch hours, said Murphy-Lopes.

“The students at Julien love eating outdoors whenever possible,” said Murphy-Lopes.  “The area is now a safe, clean and gorgeous option for our students.”

Now in its sixth year of helping build better schools and communities, the Lowe's Toolbox for Education program has provided nearly $25 million to more than 5,000 schools across the country.

“Teamwork really pays off,” said Murphy-Lopes.  “Our students couldn’t be more happier eating their lunch every day.”