Winter Park Elementary School

Our garden was started in 2009 with a $3,500 grant. The initial goal was to just establish a garden. Now, our garden has grown in size and the goals have changed:

1) The third grade science curriculum focuses on plants. The students are taking a major role in planning what crops are best for our area, learning the importance of fertile soil and how to care for crops from seedlings to produce. The third graders then teach the younger grades what they have learned through their research. They also model appropriate gardening techniques as they work with the younger students.

2) The counselor uses the garden to teach students about anger management, friendship and traits such as perseverance, respect and responsibility.

3) We continue to strengthen our working relationship with Winter Park Church. The volunteers distribute the summer produce to folks in the neighborhood. They work one-on-one with students during the school year to foster a caring relationship and build their self-esteem.

This program is supported by .