KINGSTON — It’s not beautiful yet, but it will be.

At the moment a large dirt wad and four soil and root-exposed plots mark the entrance to Kingston Middle School. However, in a matter of weeks the not-so-aesthetic dirt beds will be transformed into thriving and welcoming landscaped areas, complete with large rocks and low-maintenance vegetation.

Teresa Dwyer, whose son Henry is a new seventh-grader at KMS, noted the school didn’t look so hot when she went to register Henry, especially in comparison to other North Kitsap School District schools that have recently received a remodel touch-up.

“Kingston Middle just looked kind of worn and the landscaping was all dead or dying,” Dwyer said. “Because there’s only one entrance to the school I thought this would be an opportunity to give some personality to the school and a renewed sense of pride for the kids with all the other schools looking so fresh and new.”

Dwyer made a few calls to other parents and Kitsap landscapers to see what could be done. A group of approximately 10 moving and shaking KMS parents have gotten the ball rolling on the beautification project. Several jumped on the bandwagon, either donating money or time making signs or “beautify KMS” slogan T-shirts the students wore on the first day of school. Nearly 40 parents said they’d volunteer time to weed or help plant.

A handful of area landscapers are also donating time and/or materials.

A total of $8,000 is needed and $3,000 has been raised or donated.

The KMS Associated Student Body members agreed with no hesitation to donate $1,000 for the project.

“We kept saying ‘I second the motion and you can third it,’ ” said eighth-grader Mackenzie Szerlog, ASB executive secretary. “It’s not that much but we wanted to do what we could. I really wanted to make the school look beautiful so I was excited.”

They’re looking forward to having new landscaping, as they sided with Dwyer about the school’s entrance appeal.

“The school’s not that bad, but it’s not the greatest. It’s plain with no color,” said ASB Executive President Tahys Chehad, an eighth-grader. “Anything that can make the school look better is always good.”

On Thursday the bulk of the work begins.

The Beautify KMS parents are still need to raise approximately $5,000. To donate time or a little financial assistance contact Dwyer at (360) 620-2863.