Home Grown: Gary Knox Elementary grows future agriculture leaders through hands-on learning

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Students at Gary Knox Elementary School are learning about agriculture by getting their hands dirty in the school's Garden of Learning.

Now, the school is looking to the community for help expanding the program with a new outdoor classroom.

For 14 years, the school's agriculture science program has introduced students to the process of growing food, from planting seeds to harvesting crops.

The program also helps students explore the science and technology behind modern agriculture.

Local partnerships have played an important role in the garden's success.

JV Farms has been a longtime sponsor, while interns from the Yuma County Cooperative Extension have helped students manage fall and spring plantings for the past five years. Keithly-Williams also supports the program by providing seeds and transplants.

"I don't think we would be nearly as successful if we didn't have them as a partner," said Ann Ogram, the school’s agriculture science teacher.

Expanding the Garden of Learning

The school has received a $20,000 allocation from the Arizona Department of Education to help build an outdoor classroom.

However, rising construction costs mean additional support is needed to complete the project, including adding bench seating and a shade structure.

The outdoor classroom is part of a larger vision to give students experience with the entire food-production process.

Plans include starting plants in a greenhouse, growing and harvesting produce in the garden, and eventually preparing and eating that food in an outdoor kitchen.

Connecting students to local agriculture

The program also gives students opportunities to learn about agriculture beyond the classroom.

At the school's annual Farmer's Market, held in mid-January, students sell crops they have grown themselves.

The school's Ag Day brings together more than 500 students to learn about the region's agricultural industry.

Local agriculture professionals, JV Farms, Top Flavor Farms and FFA students take part in the event. Students can see farm equipment, learn about agricultural technology and watch demonstrations involving agricultural drones.

Organizers hope these experiences help students discover the many career paths available in agriculture, including opportunities involving science, technology and innovation.

How the community can help

Gary Knox Elementary is seeking monetary donations, building materials and volunteer labor to help complete the outdoor classroom.

Donations can be dropped off at the school's front office or the district office. Contributions should be marked "Gary Knox Garden Expansion."

With additional community support, the school hopes to create more space for students to learn about where food comes from and the role agriculture plays in the Yuma community.