Ranger School teachers secure NEA grant, plan school garden with URI master‑gardener training

Two Ranger School teachers told the Tiverton School Committee on June 10 that they received an NEA Foundation grant to complete University of Rhode Island Master Gardener coursework and to build a school garden once their volunteer hours are complete.

The teachers said the grant funded URI’s Master Gardener course (January–May) and that once they finish the required volunteer hours they will be certified. They described plans to install raised beds, include native plants and pollinator species, create sensory gardens and make the site handicap accessible so all students can use the space. The teachers also said they plan to use garden produce in the school cafeteria when feasible and to teach students about composting, vermiculture and plant science as part of hands-on lessons.

Presenters said Ranger School consulted with Tiverton High School CTE staff about building protective structures around raised beds to limit damage from deer and other local wildlife. The teachers said cafeteria staff, custodial staff and parents have expressed support; parents have offered to volunteer.

Committee members noted related district initiatives: the district applied to join the Rhode Island Farm and Seed to School Institute; the high school has a CTE horticulture program and the middle school runs a garden program. The presenters also said they plan volunteer service at the Bristol Veterans Home as part of their remaining Master Gardener hours and hope to create intergenerational connections.

No committee vote was required; presenters asked the committee to note the grant project and community interest.