Sunrise River Elementary

  • Program supplements their Farm-to-School program
  • Twelve raised garden beds and ground level garden
  • Holds Farm-to-School Celebration in September
  • Partners with master gardeners and food service contractor
  • Plants products that have a harvest window in fall
  • Students prepared the area for planting

A goal of North Branch Area Public Schools is to foster a greater sense of community and stewardship with students. With an already active farm-to-school effort supported by food service, it was decided that a school garden at Sunrise River would help the school district accomplish those goals as well as provide an opportunity for students to become more engaged in outdoor learning. Research also suggests that school garden projects result in an increase in student self-esteem, helps develop a sense of ownership and responsibility, and helps foster relationships. It can also increase parent involvement in school/student activities.