Five second-grade classes Phelan Elementary school marked Earth Day with a hands-on garden activity led by a visiting instructor, Michelle Hannon, from the Community Teaching Garden in Phelan.
Hannon guided students through a germination project using moist soil and sunflower seeds placed inside resealable plastic bags. The bags were then decorated with greenhouse-shaped cutouts made from construction paper, allowing students to create their own window-hanging mini greenhouses.
During the lesson, students learned about the essential elements required for seed germination, including sunlight, soil, air and moisture. After completing their projects, students were invited to take their first look inside the school’s newly installed greenhouse, built earlier this year by Snowline Joint Unified School District maintenance staff.
The school is currently undergoing major upgrades to its garden and greenhouse area. The garden space has been leveled and is being transformed into a functional outdoor classroom. A new greenhouse has been installed and raised garden beds are being placed within a framed area lined with pavers.
Second-grade teachers Deborah Kearns and Seth Hughes are leading the effort. Together, they are laying bricks and designing the space to provide students with hands-on lessons in life science and nutrition.
Mr. Hughs and Ms. Kearns stated, “we’re reimagining our garden as a joyful, living classroom-where curiosity blooms, little hands dig into big ideas, and every seed planted nurtures a greener, kinder future. By renovating our garden space and launching a school garden, we’re creating a vibrant, hands-on environment where students can connect with nature, grow their own food, and develop essential skills like responsibility, collaboration and sustainability. our goal is to give every student the opportunity to thrive and bring their learning to life through meaningful, real-world experience.”
The garden upgrades are expected to support a range of interactive educational activities throughout the school year such as academic & Scientific lessons, practical life skills, social- emotional growth and creative reflective thinking.
