2 Photos
Pierson Middle/High School seniors wore the colors or logos of the college choice to school on May 1. All seniors were invited to the counseling office to formally announce their plans such as college, career training, employment or armed services. COURTESY SAG HARBOR SCHOOL DISTIRCT
First graders kicked off the Sag Harbor Elementary community garden by planting seeds recently. COURTESY SAG HARBOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sag Harbor Elementary School students and teachers will soon begin sprucing up their community garden. Currently, the first-graders have begun planting seeds in alignment with their science curriculum. Science teacher Adrian Drake, third grade teacher Chris Kline, and librarian Heidi Wilson have all assisted the first-graders as they explore what it takes to grow life from seed.
The first grade students started the program by weeding the beds and prepping them for seeds. As the school’s library branches beyond books into lessons on problem-solving, how to find information, and STEAM, Library Media Center time has played a large role in this project, as well as science classes, and the occasional “body break” time during the day.
“It’s a great way for the students to spend more time outside playing and less time on screens. This project has taught students mindfulness and about being together,” said Wilson.
Wilson went on to explain that while the beginning feels like a lot of work with prepping beds and pulling weeds, the students have found that it sets the tone for what can grow. Students also learned that continued maintenance of the plant beds made things easier and carried this mantra into the maintenance of the equipment.
“Students share gloves, so they practice making sure the fingers are showing the correct way and that the equipment is in good condition for the next person. It’s a great way to explore character building,” said Wilson.
Besides working with seeds in the greenhouse and the outdoor beds, the first-graders explored what it takes for life to grow from roots and water without soil. For example, using a fish tank, students have studied hydroponics and aquaponics by growing things like lettuce in the water. Within eight weeks, the lettuce was ready for the students to taste. Soon, all grades will have a hand at the community garden with sections designated to their class. These grades, who might be learning about plant life and worm composting, will also have a chance to learn hands-on in an outdoor setting. Even the kindergarten class, who will partner with their fifth grade buddy, will be able to dive into the outdoor community fun.
“Eventually the Summer Program will maintain the gardens and run a farm stand,” explained Wilson. “This will be a great opportunity for them to learn about the plants and things like adding up prices.” With plants such as tomatoes, string beans, zucchini, peppers, flowers and more planned, it won’t be long before bursts of new life and color will be showing the hard work and learning opportunities of Sag Harbor Elementary School.
The Bridgehampton School was named the kindergarten through grade eight grand prizewinner in the Rural Schools Association of New York State student video contest.
There were a total of 712 entries throughout the state in the competition in which students worked together with a faculty member to highlight the power of what makes their school community unique.
The Elementary School Student Council, headed by teacher Hamra Ozsu as well as teacher Lou Liberatore and guidance counselor Ryan Barker, were instrumental in coordinating the video. Class president Indy Cherry narrated the production. The school was honored with a $1,000 prize that will go to the student council to “continue to build leadership and culturally responsive schoolwide programs,” Ozsu said.
The high school received second-place honors in the grades nine to 12 category and a check for $250.
Staff Writer on May 8, 2023