District reports greenhouse progress, plans community workshops and plant sales

Carrie updated the board on greenhouse activities and community engagement efforts, saying the district for the first time grew plants from seed that have germinated and are growing. She reported about 300 perennial seedlings are in production and that the greenhouse now supports aquaponics, an avocado experiment, and expanded use for animal‑lab activities (chick hatching, small animals and other critters).

Carrie said the greenhouse is being used for introductory agriculture (currently for eighth grade) with plans to expand greenhouse classes to seventh and eighth grade in the second semester. Staff are learning which crops are feasible in the current season and said they will focus early on items that will mature later in the school year.

The presentation described community engagement plans including a potential December porch‑pot event and a Jan.–Mar. sequence of workshops and open‑house opportunities. The district has recruited volunteer help, including a local master gardener identified as Deborah who has assisted with watering and planting tasks; Carrie said she did not have Deborah’s last name available at the meeting.

Board members asked about showcasing the greenhouse during the holiday bazaar; Carrie suggested staff or volunteers could host displays or sell items such as wreaths. She also discussed potential collaborations with FFA, alumni and local gardeners to staff workshops and noted some careful planning will be needed in spring when the greenhouse space is in high demand.

Carrie said the district will continue to refine plans, post updates on the greenhouse web page and consider social‑media outreach as the program grows.