Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Following months of green house gardening, NDSS’ School to Community students are starting to see the fruits of their labour.
Starting from seed planting right through carefully transplanting the sprouts to a bigger pot, the students have spent the entire winter and spring cultivating their plants. Under the direction of teacher Nancy Yanaky, the students have learned the ins and outs of gardening.
“It’s a unique, hands on program,” said Yanaky. “A lot of our students need hands on activities because we’re not earning credits in our program. I’ve noticed some students who have difficulties in other things do really well in here.”
The School to Community Services program is geared towards students with a developmental disability and teaches personal life skills and social skill development while providing a meaningful transition to the community.
Working in the green house gives students an opportunity to learn the nuances of plant care, while also developing their problem-solving skills. Those skills were put to practical use when they noticed their plants were wilting due to pests. They then researched a natural solution that would chase away the insects without harming their flowers.
“We’ve got tips from different greenhouses, one was to put peppermint in the water for misting and it helps deter the white fly that just wipes every thing out,” said Yanaky. “Apparently they don’t like it, so it seems to be working.”
Inside the green house flowers have begun bloom and tomato plants are showing signs they’re going to bear fruit, just in time for Mother’s Day. That will provide the perfect gifts for their fellow students to bring home to their mom.
“In May we set up a plant sale outside the cafeteria,” said Yanaky, noting the sale gives students a chance to gain experience with money transactions. “We just sell everything for one or two dollars and our goal is just to make back the money that we spent on the seed and soil and then we have money to purchase things for next year. If anything is left over profit I’ve got out and get the kids some ice cream.”
Following their Mother’s Day sale they’ll hold another towards the end of the month, right before the May 24 weekend, the unofficial start to the outdoor gardening season.