Sowing the seeds of tomorrow at our school gardens
In 2018 we partnered with the Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport and many other community partners to build a new school garden. Since then, each year our garden program has grown to offer more weekly lessons to more students, who are enthusiastic about working in their garden, learning life cycles of plants (the miracle of seeds!); garden management, from soil health (how many worms can you hold in your hand?) to weeding, watering and harvesting; the importance of composting, and the importance of growing food to a healthy, sustainable food system.
ACT gardeners have also begun a relationship with the East Bay Met School where we mentor students interested in various aspects of gardening.
“It's so wonderful to see the students who struggle in the classroom come to life when working hands-on in the garden. I truly feel it levels the playing field in that students who may not feel successful with 'book learning', feel good about contributing to nature, and their community. It is so important for students to know that there are many different ways they can contribute … and many different professions that you can do that don't involve sitting at a desk all day. I just love taking learning outside the classroom and giving other students a chance to shine!”
Mrs. Kathleen Breede, Pell Class Teacher 2019