When they’re not hitting the books a large group of IDEA Donna Public School students were getting their hands dirty green thumbing.
On Wednesday morning more than 160 students ranging from 3rd to 9th grade received their Junior Master Gardner certification.
“They’re learning a lot of the socio-emotional skills that aren’t necessarily taught in the classroom and they might not otherwise exercise as frequently as out here so it’s a great opportunity for them plus,” said Hernan Colmenero, IDEA Public Schools child nutrition program farm manager. “It’s been shown that high socio-emotional intelligence correlates with higher academic performance in the school classroom so it’s a win win for everybody.”
They completed a Texas A&M Agrilife Extension gardening program that gives children the opportunity to learn about gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment and cultivate their minds.
IDEA’s campus farms have harvested more than 10 thousand pounds of fresh produce district-wide this school year as part of the curriculum.
