I am a 5th grade teacher at a wonderful school in a suburb just outside of Detroit! This is my 22nd year in teaching and I love our diverse population and amazing students. Nearly 44% of our population receives free and reduced lunch and many of our  students live in apartment complexes are a limited in their ability to take advantage of the wonderful benefits of gardening.

This spring we'd like to begin a fruit and vegetable garden on school grounds. Gardening at school has been shown to increase self- esteem, help students develop a sense of ownership and responsibility,
teamwork and social skills. Our students will also  gain self-confidence and a sense of “capableness” along with new skills and knowledge in food growing — soon-to-be-vital for the 21st century.  This is something our school can truly benefit from! 

Gardening is a  great way to teach ecological literacy and respect for the Earth, along with important food production skills, Teachers will be able to align this program with teaching standards across the curriculum.  
Students, families and staff will take responsibility over the summer to water, prune and enjoy some of the benefits!

During the harvest in the fall,  we'd love the students to be able to donate some of the supply to the local food bank in addition to teaching other classmates about the different crops and their nutritional benefits!

We are ready to get our hands dirty and grow something both healthy and delicious, and teach our students what might end up being the most important thing they ever learn!