The Parsons Memorial School garden is in full bloom again this year, providing an original “classroom” experience for all levels of learners. The garden space was initially piloted through a grant received from the Harrison Educational Foundation and over the years has been sustained through Parsons generous PTA.
As the teachers and administrators have said, the garden is a special place at Parsons. It provides students that ability to watch in real time how the growing environment is prepped, cultivated and harvested through the school year. This year, Parsons’ students planted a variety of herbs and lettuces, strawberries, kale, spinach and flowers. Second graders harvested herbs to make herb butter and first graders had a tasting of lettuce and kale.
“What a treat!” said first grade teacher Dorianne Nardi. “The children were a little hesitant at first but many asked for seconds. It was a nice way to teach them where food comes from, the farm to our tables. I hope it inspires students to grow fruit and veggies at home this summer.”
Find out what's happening in Harrisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
It also serves as a quiet area for students to read a good book. The Parsons garden is providing a hands-on learning experience for students whose language is other than English.
“Interactive learning connected to the core curriculum helps all students,” said second grade teacher Karen Kaczmarcyk, “but for especially for English Language Learners students, for whom learning is easier when supported by hands-on experiences.”
