Neshannock School Wellness Introduces Tower Garden

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Chances are, if you ask a Neshannock Memorial Elementary student, you will get a very unique answer!

Neshannock Township School District is pleased to announce the Neshannock School Wellness program. The Neshannock School Wellness committee, spearheaded by Mrs. Malynda Nichols, NTSD physical and wellness education teacher, is also comprised of faculty members and community members. The mission of the Neshannock School Wellness program is to work toward goals that foster a culture of health and wellness throughout the school district and, ultimately, the community.

In its inaugural year, the Neshtowergardenintroannock School Wellness committee has looked to Neshannock resident, Dr. Randall A. Nichols, for guidance. Dr. Nichols is a professor and Department Chair for the Slippery Rock University School Wellness Education and Teacher Education Programs. Dr. Nichols’ expertise played a key role in the committee’s first endeavor.

The NSW committee collaborated with the SRU School Wellness Education Program to secure a grant which enabled the purchase of a “Tower Garden.” The unique, stand-alone garden is equipped with timed lighting and an irrigation system specifically designed for successful indoor growing. Students will undoubtedly enjoy watching their aeroponic garden grow as it will be on display in the elementary multi-purpose room.

Students in kindergarten to second grade had the opportunity to plant the very first vegetables in the Tower Garden. Each classroom got to plant their assigned vegetable at the Tower Garden introductory assembly. The students will be monitoring their assigned vegetable throughout the entire growing process as Mrs. Nichols will be incorporating nutrition education and activities into her physical and wellness education classes. The collaboration with Slippery Rock University will continue as field students and student teachers complete hourtowergardenpfs of instruction in our elementary school.

Students will reap the benefits of their gardening work! At the end of each harvest cycle, students will gather in the cafeteria for a tasting of the vegetables they have grown. From common vegetables, like celery, to more unique ones, like baby pak choi, the Tower Garden has a little something for everyone. The children may even discover a new favorite vegetable! The Neshannock School Wellness committee is hopeful that nutritious food choices will
encourage our students to continue on the path to healthy living and overall wellness.

To learn more about the Neshannock School Wellness committee, please feel free to contact Mrs. Malynda Nichols at mnichols@ntsd.org or 724-658-4793, ext. 4716.

Neshannock School Wellness Committee Members:
Dr. Randall Nichols, Slippery Rock University
Mrs. Malynda Nichols, NTSD Wellness and Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Matthew Heasley, NMS Principal
Mrs. Heather Collins, NMS Nurse
Mrs. Jennifer Flannery, Kindergarten Teacher
Miss Miranda Negrea, Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Danielle Norge, Fifth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Chelsea Phillian, Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Ashley Seyler, Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Joslynn Tatterson, Community Member

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