~by Judith Mason, Superintendent and Donette Wickham, Principal
V. Lindsay is a Seventh Day-Adventist preschool-eighth grade school located on the beautiful campus of the Central States Conference Office Headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas. The school is surrounded by tall trees, green shrubbery, and open spaces of manicured lawn that are ideal for many outdoor projects and activities. Although our school is located in the inner city, it is surrounded by the natural beauty of God’s creation.
Early in the 2011-2012 school year, we accepted the challenge of developing a school garden. We excitedly embraced the idea of taking the classroom, teaching and learning, community involvement, and physical activity to new level. During the first semester of the school year, V. Lindsay students and staff, with the assistance of Dr. Compton Ross, parent and Central States Conference Health Ministries Director, and the Kansas City Community Gardens Team built four raised bed, wood enclosed, garden plots on our school campus.
Sixteen young scholars in grades three through seven commenced their agricultural program on January 2012. We welcomed the spring as the long awaited months gave way to clearing beds, and planting crops.
V. Lindsay gardening program provides an opportunity for students to experience the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time, while observing the gardening and agricultural cycle firsthand.
This activity has enhanced the earth science program, and students are becoming more aware of their environment as they explore the works of God through nature. On Friday, April 13th the students planted lettuce, broccoli, onions, radishes, beans, collard greens, and cabbage. We are looking forward with anticipation to a rich harvest this year. To God be the Glory!
