Growing growers: Conkwright students plant school garden
Published 10:22 am Monday, April 24, 2017
Students at Conkwright Elementary donned green shirts and green thumbs Friday as they and Future Farmers of America members planted flowers and vegetables in a new garden.
The garden, consisting of six raised beds, will be used as a teaching tool to show students how to plant, care for and harvest plants.
Conkwright Principal Julie Bonfield said the beds were built by district maintenance workers. The Future Farmers of America attended the ground breaking ceremony to assist students in planting vegetables and flowers.
Third-grade student Wade Johnson said he and other children at the school will benefit from what they learn tending to the garden.
“The students will take pleasure in learning something other than just classroom studies,” Johnson said, reading from his report. “Children who are familiar with growing in a garden tend to make healthier choices by eating more fruits and vegetables.”
Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner talked to students about a venus flytrap he has growing in his office. He said learning the process of growing will be an important lesson for students.
Following the speakers, Conkwright students and FFA members planted flowers and vegetables in the gardens.
Every student at the school was also able to plant a small plant in order to take home.
