The schoolyard garden that has contributed 2,490 pounds of fresh produce to the school cafeteria in just 10 years — and educated students in subjects from plant science to language arts to math – has launched a fundraising campaign to build the long-term sustainability of the garden.
A group of supporters of Classroom in Bloom has offered to match every gift to the garden through the end of the year, and to triple donations from new members. The commitment to augment contributions has already netted more than $20,000, according to Anaka Mines, executive director of the garden.
Classroom in Bloom is a garden-education program based at the Methow Valley School District that is integrated into the curriculum, bringing more than 320 students into the garden each fall and spring to plant, harvest, and to learn about soil nutrients and fruits, vegetables and herbs. In addition, work at the garden has enabled the schools to divert all organic waste into compost.
The educational impact of the garden has been heightened with a detailed curriculum completed this fall that is connected to learning standards for every grade level, said Mines. The program is also expanding its partnership with the school cafeteria.
For more information, to contribute or volunteer, call 996-2368 or email classroominbloom@gmail.com. You can also donate through their website at www.classroominbloom.org/classroomInBloom.
