WPES Learning Garden

 Mission

The mission of the WPES Garden Committee, by collaborating with West Patent Elementary School, WPESA and the Bedford Central School District, is to support the use of the West Patent Learning Garden as an educational tool to provide a systems thinking experience, weaving sustainability into the curricula, by encouraging students to connect with and respect their world in an open, hands-on, student-centered environment. Our goal is to use the act of growing food as a lens for students to develop a healthy curiosity of the interaction between humankind and the natural world.

Values

It is vital for students to understand the lesson of the commons: the thoughtful and sustainable use of resources.We believe the sheer simplicity of nurturing a seed is a powerful tool for future leaders, empowering them with perspective about sustainable solutions and alternatives to tomorrow’s problems.

Methods

During the school year, students will have hands-on experience with a wide range of gardening concepts. Students will explore different areas of composting, sprouting, plant life and environmental studies. Students will also be encouraged to learn to work in groups in both indoor and outdoor classrooms. In addition, collaboration between disciplines is essential, if not crucial. There are many areas where the Learning Garden intersects with other subjects such as science, math, literature and art. As educators and parents, we should incorporate them and in effect enhance the overall curriculum.