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Byers Dowdy students showcase garden, chickens and new leadership club in board meeting spotlight
Summary
Third-grade students and teachers at Byers Dowdy described hands-on learning from a classroom garden and school chickens, and introduced a new Lions Who Lead leadership club during the school district board meeting student spotlight.
Byers Dowdy Principal Thompson introduced a student spotlight at the Lebanon Special School District board meeting, where third-grade teacher Dalton Teal and students presented the school’s classroom garden and chicken project and third-grade teacher Erica Chick introduced a new student leadership club.
The presentation highlighted hands-on learning tied to nutrition and stewardship. “Every day, no matter what season it is or what the temperature is, we’re gonna have to check on our chickens and make sure they have what they need to be happy and healthy,” student Aron said, describing routine care tasks. Student Rosa told the board, “We harvest lots of vegetables in the fall,” and Zachary said the garden taught “patience. It takes time for the vegetables to grow… and with a little patience, it pays off.” Principal Thompson described the activities as motivating for students: “Working in a district where we’re able to do really creative things like this… makes learning fun.”
Teacher Dalton Teal, identified by Principal Thompson as the district’s reigning teacher of the year and the teacher overseeing the garden and chickens, brought third-grade students forward to explain daily responsibilities, egg-sharing practices and how classroom-grown food is used. Principal Thompson reported that after collecting a dozen eggs, “Mr. Teal spins the wheel and lets one of us take them home.”
Erica Chick introduced Lions Who Lead, a new after-school leadership program for third through fifth graders that will produce a monthly school newsletter, run service projects and mentor younger students. “They are taking on a lot of responsibility this year,” Chick said, and she acknowledged several staff members assisting the program.
Volunteers from Vine Branch Fellowship—identified in the presentation as Shanae and Alex Scott—were thanked for grant-writing and operational support that keeps the garden and chicken project running at low cost to the school.
Board members and meeting participants praised the students and staff for hands-on programming that the presenters said increases attendance and engagement. The spotlight concluded with Principal Thompson thanking the board and community for enabling the programs.
