Tate Elementary School debuts new Project Learning Garden

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 9:45 am
Tate Elementary School debuts new Project Learning Garden

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Students at Tate Elementary School will soon be getting their hands dirty in their very own Project Learning Garden. Students, teachers, and local leaders gathered on May 8 for a special ribbon cutting ceremony and program that showcased the recently constructed garden and recognized the individuals and organizations who collaborated on the effort.

Located on campus grounds, the garden will provide children the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning activities, such as planting and harvesting. Tate Elementary is currently one of two VBSD schools participating in the FoodCorps program, which promotes nutrition education across curriculum. The garden will further aid in the program’s efforts, which helps introduce children to healthy foods and teaches them about the value of growing their own produce.

School and city leaders were on-hand for the ceremony, including VBSD Superintendent Dr. Harold Jeffcoat and Van Buren Mayor Bob Freeman. Congressman Steve Womack was also in attendance and spoke about the importance of students making healthy choices throughout life.

The garden was made possible through the generosity of Innovative Solutions for Educational Partnerships, Lumber One, Lowe's, Captain Planet Foundation, Dole, Harps, Yeagers Hardware, VBSD Education Foundation, Farmers Coop, Tractor Supply, Parks Brothers, Olin Smith, Jr., Arnold Farms, and Crawford Construction.