Sacred Hearts Academy has taken the next step to improving students’ health with gardens near the new student center. Each grade level, of the lower school has a small raised bed which students are planting and tending.

Sixth grade teacher Griffith Jurgens said, “The sixth graders are hoping to learn about growing their own food and sustainability, some recipes and working together in this gardening project. The girls are beginning their Mixtures and Solutions unit in science. The beds lend themselves to a very hands-on experience with the types of mixtures we see in our everyday lives. The quality of the soil affects the quality of the plant, which affects the quality of our bodies.”

Each grade has the freedom to choose the items it will cultivate which will then be used by the school cafeteria. Each grade is practicing sustainability through the gardens.

Second grader Bethany Stowers said, “ I love to garden and work with the earth. It is an experience that I will always remember because of the hard work and love for the Earth that I am learning about.”

Third grade teacher Debbie Au said, “I went to a conference and one of the workshops was about sustainable gardens. I thought it was an incredible idea to have our third graders take part in this project so they can learn about sustainability as well as discover where our food comes from. We are also participating in Hawaii 5-2-1-0 and this is a great opportunity for our students to learn how they can grow their own fruits and vegetables as a part of making healthier choices. This project is a part of our science curriculum and a way for the girls to learn about various life cycles.”

Sustainability and healthy living have become vital to the Earth’s maintenance.

Parent Ann Stowers said, “ I believe that Sacred Hearts is teaching our children the right ideas of sustainability because of its importance to their generation. This has inspired my daughter and myself to take action in the fight against pollution and self-maintenance.”