Academic Service Learning Program Receives $5k Gardening Grant

Franklin Elementary students and staff were recently surprised with a $5,000 grant for Academic Service Learning (ASL) community gardening projects from ABC Natural Growers, the nation's largest independent organic seed company.

At the January 13 grant presentation, ABC's area manager John Wilcox (who is also a former Bristol Public Schools teacher and a former Franklin Elementary School student) shared his company's commitment to providing support for programs that are important to the communities it serves.

According to Chris Farmer, director of ABC's Local Government & Community Affairs and Philanthropy, "ABC Natural Growers is proud to support Bristol Public Schools and to help them provide service-based learning opportunities for their students."

Superintendent Kate Summers said, "The generous people at ABC are funding amazing projects that allow our students to practice academic skills and show their kindness as they help others."

Each building in the district will now brainstorm and research different organizations or community partners that may benefit from a shared garden. This is a student-led experience in which students' ideas and voices are heard. Through meaningful classroom discussion, students will determine the organization with whom they will partner and the appropriate project to match the needs presented.

The mission of the district's Academic Service Learning program is to connect meaningful service learning to the community with classroom instruction that enriches learning, teaches civic responsibility, and fosters personal growth.