Sow the Seeds

for School Gardens to

Grow Student

Success

Sow the Seeds

for School Gardens to

Grow Student

Success

Marilyn Grudniski Administrative Officer, Little Lions Daycare and Kindergarten

Janice Piper Public Health Nutritionist, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Marianne Stewart Parent Volunteer / Garden Coordinator, Valley Central School

This project was made possible through

funding from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

School Food School Food GardensGardens

School Food School Food GardensGardens

Character Character Education Education

in the Gardenin the Garden

Character Character Education Education

in the Gardenin the Garden

"The school garden offers an excellent way to teach respect for the land, responsibility for living things, cooperation with others... perseverance and patience in trying again and again when something doesn't grow well, fairness and sharing of the harvest, and compassion and caring for the earth.”

Primary Teacher, Upsala Public School

Garden-based Garden-based LearningLearning

= Student Success= Student Success

Garden-based Garden-based LearningLearning

= Student Success= Student Success

Students who have the opportunity to participate with school gardens become

ready to learn, resilient and responsible.

Royal Horticultural Society

A Bountiful HarvestA Bountiful Harvest A Bountiful HarvestA Bountiful Harvest

Students who interact with garden based learning experience increased overall GPAs, especially in math and science.

From the Edible School Yard Evaluation

Reaping the BenefitsReaping the Benefits Reaping the BenefitsReaping the Benefits

School Food Gardens Fulfill Board

Goals

• Encourages actions consistent with 2011-2012

operational plan

• Fulfills current policies: - Food and Beverage Policy 6050 - Environmental Policy 4045

• Supports provincial directions - Foundations for a Healthy School - Healthy Foods for Healthy Schools Act (Bill 8)

• Increases food security for school community

Fruits of LabourFruits of Labour Fruits of LabourFruits of Labour

Teachers from schools with gardens rated their school as more conducive to learning than did control school teachers.

From the Edible School Yard Evaluation

Breaking GroundBreaking Ground Breaking GroundBreaking Ground

What is a school food garden support statement?

• Official endorsement

• States the value to the public

• Acknowledges that a process is necessary

Building the SoilBuilding the Soil Building the SoilBuilding the Soil

Why a statement of support and

process?• LDSB schools are starting gardens!

• Clear communication and expectations

• Better planning = better outcomes

• Outlines clear process to ensure long-term success

Building the SoilBuilding the Soil Building the SoilBuilding the Soil

Why a statement of

support and process

(cont’d):

• Adheres to existing school grounds codes and standards

• Aligns gardens with school board goals

• Builds resources that support board objectives

The Valley Central StoryThe Valley Central Story The Valley Central StoryThe Valley Central Story

Having a PlanHaving a PlanHaving a PlanHaving a Plan

A written process for school food gardens clarifies:

• land use and planning

• summer care

• communication

• long-term sustainability

• infrastructure

Pollinators in ActionPollinators in Action Pollinators in ActionPollinators in Action

Gardens build

communities:• School daycares

• School communities

• Social network

• Funders

Plant the Plant the Seeds for Seeds for SuccessSuccess

Plant the Plant the Seeds for Seeds for SuccessSuccess

•Create a LDSB statement of support and process for school food gardens

Thank you!Thank you! Thank you!Thank you!