TAKING EDUCATION TO A NEW LEVEL
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The School Seeds Program is a cutting-edge S.T.E.A.M.-based gardening project spearheaded by a New York State-certified teacher, accomplished health and wellness educator, and expert in holistic health.
This innovative program features a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the latest principles of vertical aeroponic gardening and academic standards to promote healthy living and social and emotional well-being across all academic disciplines.
Through the seamless integration of a passion for education, a holistic approach to wellness, and a commitment to environmental preservation, we have developed a truly distinctive and transformative initiative that empowers students with the tools and skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Our program provides students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in hands-on, experiential learning that fosters creativity, critical thinking, nutrition awareness, and teamwork while simultaneously promoting mental and physical well-being.
How it all Began
As a former middle school educator who transitioned into the world of health and wellness, Lety, the founder of School Seeds and Plant Up, always envisioned bringing organic gardening into schools. However, she repeatedly encountered objections such as,
"There is no one available in the summer to tend to the garden, kids won't engage during the growing season, and the maintenance is too demanding."
The challenges of limited space, manpower, and seasonal constraints seemed insurmountable—until the game-changing discovery of indoor vertical gardens.
The result? An innovative, BOCES-approved program that brings year-round organic gardening into classrooms in an educational, sustainable, and transformative way.
Tower Gardens, Plant Up's garden of choice, are vertical aeroponic systems that grow indoors year-round, occupying just 30" of space—perfect for classrooms. These gardens allow students to engage in hands-on learning, seamlessly integrating gardening into their daily lessons.
Fueling both her passions for teaching and health, Lety crafted the innovative program known as School Seeds.
At its core, the School Seeds Program harnesses the cutting-edge technology of Tower Gardens to propel project-based learning and fortify academic standards across various disciplines.
The School Seeds program is a comprehensive journey that begins with 4 simple steps:
1
Plan
Collaborative planning involves our team, teachers, and administration working together. We customize the program to suit your specific needs, ensuring a perfect fit. Tower Gardens are then delivered directly to the school.
2
Build
On build day, we explore the differences between vertical gardening and traditional gardening and the impacts it has on the environment. The discussion is then tailored to suit the specific focus of each class. Next we facilitate students in transforming the boxes into living towers. They build the Towers, plant them, fill with with water and nutrients, and set the automated timers. The culmination is an exhilarating moment marked by a big drum roll, followed by the excitement of plugging in the Towers to witness the illumination of lights and the soothing sound of water flowing.
3
Learn
Following the build, there's professional development for both staff and students on how to care for the Tower Gardens. The School Seeds Program extends beyond the build day; teachers benefit from additional resources, videos, creative suggestions for using the harvested items, and diverse lesson plans for seamless integration of Tower Gardens into their daily teachings.
4
Grow
As the Tower Garden begins to flourish, students find themselves captivated by the daily growth, eagerly rushing to the Tower Garden each morning to witness the changes. The anticipation builds as they envision not only a bountiful harvest they can enjoy but also possibilities to design a farmers market, donate to food pantries, and explore limitless creative endeavors. The plants are not the only things growing; simultaneously, the students begin to blossom intellectually and personally. They step into an interdisciplinary world of hands-on learning, marking a transformative journey that extends beyond the garden's thriving produce.
Grow With Us
Embark on an exhilarating journey of cultivating minds and nurturing growth through the School Seeds Program. Together, let's craft an educational experience that transcends the ordinary, instilling a passion for learning, cultivating a foundation for lifelong health and nutrition, and ensuring students thrive both academically and physically. Together, we will grow leaders one seedling at a time.