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About Miss Fran's Teaching Garden

Studies have shown that school gardens provide a context to teach students to be advocates for themselves, their communities, and the earth. By cultivating a connection with nature, gardens foster a sense of environmental stewardship. By providing an environment for conversations about the food system (the way food is produced, distributed, prepared, consumed, and disposed of or recycled), gardens encourage students to think critically about the food they eat and gain life-long skills in making healthy choices.

 

Tool Elementary is a school that has been awarded numerous times in recognition of the advances and progress the teaching staff has achieved each year. In 2024, Tool Elementary was the only school in Henderson County to be recognized by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) for preparing students to be successful in life and in the workforce. ERP’s program is the only one presented in partnership with business leaders that solely uses student achievement data as criteria for recognition.

 

For the garden’s first three years, 100% of each season’s harvest has been donated to the Community Food Pantry in Tool. Over 2000 lbs had been donated by August 2024. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, approximately 75% of the harvest will be bagged and sent home with the students with recipes using and tips to preserve the fresh foods. The students are encouraged to be part of the food prep and cooking process and the results are beyond our expectations.

Builds a sense of community

Provides fresh, affordable produce

Gets people active & improves physical health

Educates about gardening, nature & cooking

® 2024 Miss Fran's Teaching Garden

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