Stewart Manor School Launches Tower Garden Initiative to Cultivate Sustainability

Stewart Manor School is bringing science, sustainability and healthy living to life through the launch of its new Tower Garden initiative, an engaging hands-on learning experience that gives students the opportunity to grow fresh vegetables indoors year-round.

Under the direction of teacher Christina DeCastro, the scholars have taken an active role in every stage of the gardening process. From planting seeds and assembling the Tower Gardens to transplanting seedlings and monitoring water pH and nutrient levels, students are gaining firsthand experience in the science, responsibility and care involved in growing their own food.

The initiative supports classroom learning by connecting students to concepts in science, environmental stewardship and nutrition while encouraging healthy habits and an understanding of sustainable food production.

As the gardens continue to grow, the school plans to collaborate with the kitchen staff to incorporate freshly harvested vegetables into cooking demonstrations. These experiences will help students see how the food they grow can be transformed into healthy, nutritious meals served right in their school cafeteria.

“From seed to harvest to table, we are excited to watch our scholars learn, grow and explore new ways to make sustainability a part of our school community,” Principal Robert Cavaliere said.