E.M. Stanton Elementary School

The garden’s goal is to be a major experiential tool in the 4th grade science and health curriculum, with an emphasis on concepts such as water conservation and composting, as well as the long-term importance of incorporating local and organically grown fruits and vegetables into a healthy diet. By engaging this garden on a regular basis, students gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of their responsibility to maintain their environment, as well as the active role they do and can play in this process. Students can then share this knowledge/understanding with their families and community. We also appreciate the ways in which the garden beautifies the neighborhood.

The goal of this project is to sustain and expand the gardening program as well as to start a school-wide composting initiative. A goal set last year was to participate in a local farmer’s market and this was accomplished beginning in September, 2014. The Stanton Garden Club was invited to participate in a weekly farmer’s market sponsored by The Food Trust at the Christian Street YMCA, just a block away from the school. This has been very exciting for everyone involved with the garden, particularly the students, who have the opportunity to share their knowledge of organic gardening with the general public. Pictures of this wonderful experience and opportunity are attached.