GARDEN EDUCATION The rich and vibrant food culture that we enjoy in Portland begins with and is sustained by attentive stewardship for the earth. At Franciscan Montessori Earth School we believe stewardship starts young, and so we've integrated gardening into the life of our entire school. Students grow and eat food from indoor window boxes and from a large vegetable garden on school grounds; each classroom has a worm compost bucket for lunch scraps, and each fall students rake and compost all the leaves that descend upon our land; students learn how to prepare simple foods in class, like a salad with a vinaigrette or a chapatti made from school-grown, student-ground wheat. Garden projects like raised-bed design and construction provide students hands-on building experience, and our children often work with garden professionals, like local landscapers, to make the school more beautiful. In addition, students learn traditional botany through the garden and are exposed to the concepts of ecology there as well. Numerous research studies show that a school gardening program can help students make healthier food choices , thus setting the stage for healthier adult lives. We want our students to celebrate the gifts of food and beauty that the earth provides, and so we want to train them with the skills they need to ensure their long-term access to these gifts, gifts which sustain us all. We are grateful to our donors, grantors, and supporters who assist us in this important and wonderful work. | home page | site map | e-mail | 14750 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97236 | tel (503) 760-8220 | fax (503) 760-8333 | Websystem design and hosting provided by WolfPk - FMES/SFA alumni. Copyright © 1999-2010 Franciscan Montessori Earth School. Legal Information