Growing Fresh, Growing Minds: Krause Elementary Students Harvest Success

Students at Krause Elementary School are discovering that learning can be as fresh as the vegetables they grow.

We recently added a hydroponic vegetable growing system that connects classroom science with healthy nutrition. The project is a partnership between the Food Service Department and Krause Elementary science teacher Kelly Witgen, creating a hands-on learning experience that benefits both students and the school lunch program.

Throughout the school year, students have planted, nurtured, and harvested a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. As they care for the hydroponic garden, students learn about plant life cycles, water conservation, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture through real-world, hands-on science lessons.

Once the vegetables are ready to harvest, students proudly deliver their fresh produce to the school kitchen. The Food Service team then carefully cleans and prepares the vegetables before serving them on the lunch program's salad bar, allowing students to enjoy food they helped grow themselves.

"This project gives students a unique opportunity to see the journey from seed to salad," said Food Service Director Missy Elliott. "It not only supports science education but also encourages healthy eating habits by helping students develop a connection to the food they eat."

Science teacher Kelly Witgen has seen firsthand how engaged students become when they can apply classroom lessons in a meaningful way.

"The excitement on students' faces when they harvest vegetables they have grown themselves is incredible," Witgen said. "They are learning valuable science concepts while also understanding the importance of nutrition and where their food comes from."  All Grades K-5 are actively participating in the Hydroponics garden.

The hydroponics program is an excellent example of collaboration across departments, bringing together education, nutrition, and sustainability to enrich the student experience. By combining science with healthy school meals, Armada Area Schools continues to cultivate lifelong learning—and hope to expand the program next school year.

Missy Elliott

Food Service Supervisor

Armada Area Schools