Sustainability

Claremont Middle School is very fortunate to have a Principal who values school gardens and their potential for bringing academic subjects to life.

They are also fortunate to be able to hire a Garden Coordinator for 25% time. With Aysha, they found a dedicated gardener and parent who puts in the extra effort to link academic subjects to the life cycle,  She not only educates the students out in the garden, but develops lessons for the classroom as well. Thus, she brings the two elements together to create an integrated learning experience.

Elements that help sustain Claremont’s garden program

• The garden coordinator makes a special effort to read the science textbooks and talk to the science teachers about what they are covering and what they need.  This can make a huge difference in how the garden program works within the school.  When fully integrated, the program avoids being marginalized.
• Involving students in the design and construction of the garden provides a sense of empowerment, pride in accomplishment, and ownership.  Kids come up with fun ideas that adults would never think of!
• Encourage garden art made of recycled materials.  There are lessons to be learned at the same time as beautifying the school site.
• Middle schoolers are very conscious of body image. Tying nutrition lessons into health, overall body image and wellness helps them make meaning of the content. Relating content to their “outside” lives is also a wise strategy.
• Community participation makes the program stronger. Claremont holds a Farmers Market in the spring months, which raises the profile of the garden program, and brings community members together.