AAPS Farm to school: A2 STEAM 5th graders’ Clucky Classroom Farm Stand gets entire school involved in healthy eating

Video, story and photos by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor

During National Farm to School Month in October, many AAPS students will have taken part in cafeteria taste tests, nutrition education activities, and school garden harvest parties.In fact, 25 of AAPS’s 32 schools boast edible gardens that range in size and design while offering students the chance to grow and taste their own fresh food.

“Students gain access to healthy foods as well as educational opportunities in their school gardens,” said Angela Demetriou, the district’s wellness coordinator. “The lessons taught through these gardens empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local communities.”

A2 STEAM fifth graders go a step further. Not only do they raise chickens and grow vegetables just outside the building, but every week they wheel their farm stand to the school entrance to sell all sorts of school-made treats.

Listen to the fifth graders explain what they’ve learned so far this year in the following “3 questions for …” video:

A2 STEAM fifth grade teacher Amanda Stowe explained that her clucky classroom’s farm stand project is an extension of all the students learn about raising chickens, growing a garden, and healthy living.

“They’re able to take all the different content standards they’re learning and tie it into one project and get outside of the classroom and learn outside/inside and really have a great time just bringing our school community together to learn about everything they’re learning and how they’re tying it all together.”