In an exciting development for the Oneonta High School community, the school has been awarded a $500 grant from the Rural Health Network of South Central New York for its upcoming School Garden Project. The grant, open to schools across seven counties, promises to bring new opportunities for hands-on learning and outdoor engagement to students.
The announcement of the grant was met with enthusiasm from the school's Vice Principal, Ms. Emily Gibson, who expressed her congratulations and excitement for the project. "This is going to be such a great way to make lifelong memories with our students," Ms. Gibson remarked. "Thank you to everyone for your support of our little project!"
This innovative initiative stemmed from the insightful idea of Ms. Zoe Noyes, one of our OHS school counselors, who, alongside Ms. Gibson, noticed the students' profound interest in nurturing the indoor plants in their offices. With Ms. Gibson's and Ms. Noyes's initiative, along with the collaboration of Tina Smith, special education and work-based learning educator, Shelly Ashley, school social worker, and Zoe Lamphere, Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) advocate, the project aims to start small, focusing on gardening as a form of meditation and a lifelong hobby, rather than solely for food production.
The project will be led by adult volunteers who aim to establish a new Garden Club at Oneonta High School. This year's objective will be to guide interested students through building raised garden beds in the OHS Courtyard. Students will actively participate in all stages of planning and implementation, with community volunteers also welcome to join the team. The garden containers will be placed in the courtyard adjacent to the wellness room, serving as an extension of the school's wellness program. The project's goals include providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning, fostering socio-emotional development through gardening, and promoting a sense of community engagement.
The School Garden Project is set to commence after the spring recess, with students and faculty eager to roll up their sleeves and get started on this exciting endeavor. Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses and watch as our school community comes together to cultivate growth, both in our garden and in the minds of our students.
GO 'JACKETS!