Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Greenhouse topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students showcase new geodesic greenhouse at Sunset Ridge Elementary
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Dana Minogue visited Sunset Ridge Elementary to tour a new geodesic greenhouse and spoke with students about planting, teamwork and hands-on science learning; students described planting sunflowers, pumpkins, lettuce and tomatoes and said the produce supports school meals and community sharing.
Dr. Dana Minogue, superintendent of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, visited Sunset Ridge Elementary to showcase a recently completed geodesic greenhouse and speak with students who take part in its upkeep.
The greenhouse, built with help from library media specialist Ren Schwab, parent volunteers and teachers, gives students hands-on opportunities to plant and harvest produce for use by the school and for community sharing. Minogue introduced five students who described tasks such as mixing soil, planting sunflowers, and growing lettuce, cabbage, pumpkins and tomatoes.
"The best thing I've learned is probably how fun it can be to work together as a team in the greenhouse and plant these plants," said Ryan Schultz, a third-grade student, describing how students coordinate where to add soil and avoid crowding one area. Several students said the greenhouse teaches the water cycle, life skills and sustainability and allows parents and community members to help during the summer.
Minogue said the project will connect students, staff and community members with environmental learning and praised the volunteers who helped construct it. She thanked the students for demonstrating greenhouse activities and said she was "so happy that you're taking full advantage of it."
The district said Middleton High School science classes will help automate the greenhouse's watering system over the summer, providing additional learning opportunities for older students. Minogue framed the greenhouse as both an instructional tool and a way to bring fresh produce into school meals and local sharing programs.
The superintendent closed the segment by reaffirming the district's support for experiential learning and thanked Sunset Ridge students and staff for their work on the project.
