Moving to a new school is hard for anyone — meeting new people, experiencing a new environment and making new friends aren't always easy. This was the case for one particular student at Teton Adventist Christian School. She was having an incredible challenge with accepting this change in her life.
She didn’t want to be at TACS; she wanted to be at her old school with her old friends. Integrating into the classroom was something she wanted no part of. During the first week of class, she sat off by herself against the wall with arms crossed, refusing to participate. Day by day, she began to soften, but the progress was painfully slow.
On the first Friday of the 2024–2025 academic year, students helped put plastic on the newly assembled caterpillar tunnel. They also pulled the silage tarp off a newly tilled plot, measured out beds and laid drip line. It was quick work with so many eager helpers.
The next week, students helped finish preparing the beds and planted seeds. Besides the transformation in the new school garden, another transformation took place over the course of the weeks.
The new student came out of her shell. She was a right-hand helper, excited to help in every aspect of the gardening process. She expressed how much she enjoyed the tasks. She started engaging with staff and students in the garden and this attitude change extended into the classroom, as well.
In a few short weeks, she was fully part of TACS and wanted to be there each day, sometimes even working with others. Still, more progress was needed, but the biggest hurdle was cleared. The ice had been broken.
School gardens can be very important tools. They can help students, who otherwise don’t engage effectively in the classroom, connect with others in an environment outside the classroom. The gardening experience truly made a difference in the transition to TACS for this student.
TACS is pleased to utilize the Acquainting Agriculture curriculum. It has helped guide teachers as they establish an effective agriculture program. The kids love learning about the garden and they enjoy the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. Harvesting, of course, is their favorite part. Participating in the garden has also encouraged students to try new healthy foods that they otherwise wouldn’t be willing to try and has expanded their palettes.
The science and Bible connections are wonderful, and TACS has applied them to these subjects in the classroom. The Acquainting Agriculture curriculum has been a real blessing to TACS and teachers look forward to continue seeing its impact on students.
