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Yorktown Elementary students showcase greenhouse and community garden at school board meeting
Summary
At the May 18 meeting the York County School Board heard a presentation from Yorktown Elementary principal Megan Gavin and STEM teacher Amber Collins about a greenhouse and community garden program that gives K–5 students hands-on environmental science learning, supported by the York Foundation and local partners.
At the May 18, 2026 York County School Board meeting, Yorktown Elementary Principal Megan Gavin and STEM teacher Amber Collins presented ‘Growing Together,’ a showcase of the school's greenhouse, community garden and related family engagement activities.
The presentation focused on hands-on environmental science for students in grades K–5, school–community partnerships and stewardship. “Yorktown Elementary's environmental science program directly reflects two key priorities of the division’s strategic plan,” Principal Megan Gavin said, describing classroom connections to the greenhouse, community garden and work with York High School and Christopher Newport University.
Amber Collins, garden club sponsor and STEM teacher, detailed how the school composts cafeteria food scraps for the Peninsula Chicken Keepers partnership and runs STEM Night and summer Storytime to keep families involved. “One of the most meaningful partnerships is with the Peninsula Chicken Keepers. Three times each week, students help collect and sort excess cafeteria food waste,” Collins said.
Two student presenters described hands-on learning. “One of my favorite parts of Garden Club is harvesting what we plant…It’s exciting to go out into the garden and see everything we have cared for and turn into real fruits and vegetables,” said student Cass (Cash) Stevens. Students emphasized problem solving, teamwork and tasting produce they grew themselves.
Presenters also noted funding sources and operations: Collins confirmed the compost expansion received a grant from the York Foundation for Public Education and said the garden team uses four rotating compost bins and trains families to help maintain the garden through the summer.
Board members and audience members asked practical questions about planting timing, compost rotation and what chickens are fed; presenters said the compost contains only fruits and vegetables and that families may harvest certain crops in summer posts on the school’s Facebook page.
The presentation highlighted the program’s instructional goals—scientific thinking, collaboration and responsibility—and its role in family engagement. After the demonstration the board recessed to meet award recipients and continue business.
