‘Gro More Good’ Grant Achieved!

This spring, the Academy received the ‘Gro More Good’ Kids Gardening Grant from Scotts Miracle Grow. In cooperation with Hopewell Gardens the funding is being used to finish an outdoor educational space. Once finished this 400 square foot sheltered pavilion will provide a comfortable atmosphere for student instruction for up to 50 students. The space is perfect for agricultural instruction since it is positioned within Hopewell Gardens and just a short walk from the Academy school building. This allows students a seamless and quick transition between instructional time and hands on learning experiences in the garden. The outdoor classroom is a purposeful and educational space even in its planning and construction.

The outdoor classroom ‘wall’ is constructed is a trellis wall where plants will be grown up the side to create additional shade and a natural cooling affect. The trellis wall can act as an educational moment for students to learn about sustainable and eco-friendly building structures. We are so grateful for Hopewell Farms for their help in submitting this grant for our school and for their aid in the constructions of the space. As a farm to school program we love enhancing our programming and education in the realm of agriculture, and our students will benefit greatly from this new space! Each elementary student at the Academy has a class dedicated to working and learning in the garden at least once a week, facilitated by Farmer Jameson. Over the years, students have harvested everything from hibiscus and strawberries to lettuce and kale!

Our demonstration garden allows students to taste test foods as they are grown and occasionally eat those foods in their school cafeteria. Thank you to Scotts Miracle Grow for contributing to our efforts to enhance Academy students’ experience in the garden.