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District highlights Living Classroom gardens; coordinator says program reaches about 2,500 students
Summary
Caroline Chan told the board the Living Classroom program offers 37 seasonal lessons this year, equating to roughly 500 lessons districtwide and reaching about 2,500 TK–6 students; the program is funded by the Los Altos Educational Foundation with a small PTA per‑student contribution.
Caroline Chan, program coordinator for the Los Altos School District’s Living Classroom, told trustees on Jan. 26 that the garden-based curriculum is aimed at getting students outside to learn science, math and social studies through hands-on activities.
The program, started in Los Altos in 2008 and now run by a nonprofit that formed in 2013, provides seasonal lessons led by trained docents and volunteers. "We’re offering 37 engaging hands-on lessons this year, which equates to about 500 lessons districtwide, reaching about 2,500 TK through sixth-grade students," Chan said. She told the board teachers return a post-lesson survey showing about a 98% satisfaction rate on average.
Chan described grade-specific units: TK students plant seeds and sort varieties; kindergarteners practice garden safety and tool use; older students study photosynthesis and ancient civilizations through garden projects. Lessons are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and the district’s science program, she said.
Funding comes from a mix of sources: the Los Altos Educational Foundation helps pay part-time program staff; LESD provides office and training space and maintenance support; the program asks PTAs for a $6-per-student annual contribution to cover supplies; the Living Classroom nonprofit collaborates on curriculum and enrichment. Local businesses and service groups contribute materials or volunteer projects, Chan said.
Volunteers help as docents, lesson assistants and garden caretakers. Chan outlined training opportunities and a schedule of seasonal trainings for volunteers and noted a goal to expand the program into additional grade levels over time.
Trustees and parents in the audience praised the program. Janetta Perez Lewin, a Loyola school psychologist and parent, said the lessons create a "common language" for families to talk about feelings and social-emotional growth. A parent who identified herself as a pediatrician, Nicole Wong, said the program provided "invaluable skills and tools" for her child.
Chan said the program’s next steps include continuing docent training, recruiting volunteers and refining lesson survey feedback. The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said they would continue to support the program and explore opportunities for expansion.
