Schools
Barton Leads Way in Tower Garden Experimentation
"Each Tower Garden is capable of three growing seasons during a school year," said Barton Principal Judith Soltner.
From Patchogue-Medford School District: Many schools across Patchogue-Medford have been experimenting with Tower Gardens for science and stem lessons. Barton Elementary leads the way with six.
Currently Barton has Tower Gardens distributed to various teachers throughout the building; Mrs. Padolecchia, Mr. Haugland, Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Varela, Mrs. Bachmore, and Mrs. Bruno.
“Each Tower Garden is capable of three growing seasons during a school year,” said Barton Principal, Judith Soltner. “After each growing season and subsequent harvest, the class will pass the Tower Garden along to another class to allow for a new interactive experience with planting, growing and harvesting a new crop of green goodies.”
Students in each of the Tower Garden classes will present to the next class and the cycle will continue. This will allow up to 18 classes to have a Tower Garden experience.
“After a harvest, one of our building goals is to host a farmer’s market for our parents,” said Soltner.
The school also has a newly established Tower Garden newsletter from Mrs. Padolecchia’s second grade class. All students in the class have a role with the publication.
Mr. Haugland’s fourth grade class has also been hosting kindergarten classes to share their experiences before they experience the next growing season.
In addition, they have a number of teachers collaborating on crafting ideas for interdisciplinary lessons that stem from this hands-on experience for children such as the publication of the attached newsletter.
Image courtesy of Patchogue-Medford School District
