A teacher at Springfield Elementary School in Aiken is seeking donations for supplies to help students maintain the school’s garden program. Mrs. Kathryn Sanyal, who teaches gifted and talented students, is requesting various items to support hands-on learning in the outdoor garden space.
The school garden allows students to engage directly with plant life and gardening practices. Mrs. Sanyal emphasized that this experience connects with core subjects such as reading, math, and science, aiming to boost academic performance and foster nutritional values. Students work in teams to cultivate their own garden beds, choosing what to grow and learning about sharing during harvest time. Mrs. Sanyal noted that many students discover new foods, like sweet potatoes, and learn about teamwork through the program.
The requested supplies are essential for the upcoming school year’s maintenance. Soil is identified as the most critical need, as existing hoses and gloves are worn out, and the garden has become overgrown since last year, necessitating new rakes. The project is specifically designed to benefit historically underfunded classrooms, with approximately 65 students in grades 3-5 expected to use the materials. Donations can be made through DonorsChoose.
The specific items requested include Brut Organic Worm Castings for Plants, a garden hose reel, a garden rake, a rake for leaves, a garden hose, a garden hose nozzle, and gardening gloves.
