Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education K12 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mary Free students showcase classroom 'Harvest of the Month' nutrition project to school board
Summary
Teachers and upper‑elementary students from Mary Free presented a Harvest of the Month program to the Whitley County Consolidated Schools Board on March 23, describing hands‑on lessons using locally sourced produce and student‑created recipes that tied to math and literacy standards.
Students and teachers from Mary Free Elementary described a year‑long classroom initiative called Harvest of the Month to the Whitley County Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees on March 23, demonstrating how local produce and classroom activities were used to teach math, reading and life skills.
"In order to follow a recipe, you must read it in a sequential order," one fifth‑grade student told the board, explaining how the class used recipes to reinforce fractions and measurement. Teachers described students researching recipes, measuring ingredients, cooking and sampling dishes made from the monthly produce distribution provided by Park View and local farms.
Teachers said produce packets included engagement materials for classrooms—nutrition information, recipes and activities—and noted students tried items they had not previously eaten, from mini sweet peppers to sweet potatoes prepared in 10 different ways. A teacher described dividing classes into groups to research and prepare a chosen recipe, then present the rationale for their choice and the results of their experiment.
Board members praised the student work and the teachers’ efforts to build hands‑on, cross‑curricular learning opportunities. The presentation concluded with a brief question period and thanks from trustees.
The board did not take any formal action on the program at the March 23 meeting. Teachers said the initiative is ongoing and invited board members to follow classroom activity on district channels.
