It's nice to have kids around the table like that planting, because even the quiet kids, once they get their hands in the soil it really seems like they they really open up. They talk to you, they want to know what's going on. Whether it's about school or home, it seems like they are more willing to talk to you when their hands are in soil. It's just a neat experience.
One of my goals as Superintendent is to have a kid involved in everything, and I always have to give a kid a reason to come to school. That might be sports, or it might be band, but it also might be a greenhouse. If I can provide an opportunity for a kid to come to school and learn something about agriculture, I'm all about it.
Student Involvement is Key to Success in this Farm to School Program
During the 2010-2011 school year, Superintendent Dan Hawkins began a school garden program at Brockway Jr./Sr. High School, and in this interview, he discussed some of the impact this program continues to have on his students. Before students could begin gardening, they first assisted in the construction of a greenhouse, a planting shed, and multiple outdoor raised beds. While students successfully grew a few crops even during the first year, the focus of this project is student involvement. Superintendent Dan Hawkins, who started and runs this program said, Involvement with this greenhouse project includes students in the extra curricular Future Farmers of America Club, students in Family and Consumer Sciences classes, and students in woodshop classes.
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| Click on the play button above. Dan elaborates on how school gardens can help motivate students to succeed at school outside of the garden. | ||||
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| Dan speaks about the long term student benefits of participating in a school gardening project. | ||||
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Stuffed Hot Peppers Recipe |
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| Hungarian hot peppers stuffed with a cream cheese mixture and Italian sausage. | ||||
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