Highland Elementary School

Our goal is to establish a vibrant school garden on the grounds at Highland Elementary where students and teachers can enjoy the garden as an outdoor classroom space. Salem-Keizer Education Foundation or SKEF has established successful gardens at eight area schools already. The gardens are focused on high-needs neighborhoods where students can benefit the most from fresh produce and an education in healthy, sustainable skills.

Our existing school gardens have produced over 2000 pounds of produce in the past year that has been used in classes and gone home with families and students. Our goal is to bring that benefit to Highland students, to compliment the garden and cooking education that has been taking place there for the past year. Highland students have taken part Learning Gardens curriculum that teaches sustainability, respect for nature, healthy lifestyle habits, meal planning, food preparation, and encourages physical activity.