Teachers from Blodgett give feedback on lot

Jermaine Soto, site coordinator at Blodgett school, asked teachers and administrators what they thought about incorporating the lot at 601 Tully with their curricula. His initial efforts elicited some pretty positive feedback, much of it corresponding directly to discussions we've had!
(Contact information for responders forthcoming.)

- Social Studies
a) NYS Standard - Economics - farming, cost of raising crops (vegetables, fruits, flowers etc) and profit - how much can they sell. - developing a farm stand.
b) Science - ecology /environmental science/biology.

- It’s possible, with proper planning, I could have [601 Tully] be part of a social studies class. I could bring my classes to help with the design and maintenance of the garden, [with] weeding and tilling.

- I love the idea of having the students involved in gardening. It's healthy on so many levels. I've often thought that we have a unique gardening opportunity in our internal patios (in addition to the 601 site) but have never been able to pursue it. I would hope they could be utilized, perhaps renovation could address options.

- I am not a classroom teacher but I see lots of applications. The science curricula at most grade levels includes plants. You could tie in with math; graphing the growth [cycles of plants], plotting out where to place the plants, measuring out distances... Students could [also] write about the experience, [as] steps in a process.

- Years ago Cicero Elementary started a garden and the whole school was involved...someone may want to contact them to find some ideas that worked well.

- I think that's a terrific idea that would have many benefits for the community, especially the students. If the staff knows about this ahead of time, it allows for including it in the curriculum all year long. For example, science and math can be taught using the garden as a "tool" (couldn't resist the pun-sorry!) I'm sure there is a lot of info online about other community gardens to help in the planning. As an ESL teacher, I welcome any educational endeavors that are hands-on, and it is more meaningful for all students, too.
Probably the main concern would be vandalism of the garden, but I think other similar projects would have suggestions for this. I also think there are a number of groups to pull volunteers from, such as garden clubs, retired seniors, etc, whose members would really enjoy helping children make a connection with nature. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation (I'm a member) offers guidance on bringing children closer to the natural world.

- When I read this I automatically thought about the fruit stand that was at the State Fair this year. High school students volunteered their time to sell fruit at the fair and also at the Syracuse Farmer's market. The market now accepts food stamps. I have 2 ideas.
1. When the garden is plentiful, possibly selling the fruit/veggies to the community and/or
2. Having students and/or the community volunteer their time to till the garden for 2 hours a week and in return they can take a small bag of veggies home with them.