The PS 217 garden, in existence here for 6 years already, will be open every Friday after school (weather permitting) for gardening workshops and good quality time together. We believe it is a wonderful feature of our neighborhood and a world of possibility for our kids.
Students start growing seeds in participating classrooms that will later be transplanted into the garden. Other classes will plant seeds directly into the soil later in the spring. During the Spring and Fall, we host afterschool workshops with our Garden consultant Susannah Laskaris to encourage families to come into the garden to plant, weed, water and enjoy the space. In addition, we have time on Thursday mornings that parent volunteers can come into the garden and help maintain it. Over the summer, parents volunteer to water and weed the garden. In the Fall, we celebrate with the school community during our Harvest Fest.
There are opportunities to work with your child’s class to plant seeds both inside and outside. We welcome ideas about incorporating math, physical science or art projects that tie into the garden for workshops. Many hands make light work.
Interested in composting? Grant seeking? Do you have woodworking skills? Just want to get your hands in the dirt?
Workshops/ Open Family Garden time will return on Fridays after school until 4pm starting later in the Spring. Parent garden maintenance time is typically on a Thursday morning after drop off.
If you would like to get involved or get communication from the Garden coordinators, please e-mail Heather Smith (hsmith293@yahoo.com).