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Ponaganset Middle School
Foster-Glocester
Address:
7 Rustic Hill Road
North Scituate, RI 02857
US
Telephone: (401)647-3361
Email: jsimoneau@fg.k12.ri.us
Ponaganset Middle School Living Campus Program
The goal of the Living Campus program is for every member of the school community to focus on the wonders of our natural environment and learn how to live sustainably. Using our beautiful 82 acres and new building we will incorporate interdisciplinary environmental studies and practices in academics, the cafeteria, administrative operations and community offerings. A team consisting of students, teachers, staff, and community members oversee the program. Donations, grants, volunteers, and the sale of products and services such as note cards and pruning workshops will sustain the program over time.
The Apple Orchard
The Apple Orchard is our first Living Campus project. Thirty semi-dwarf trees were planted on April 5, 2008 in front of the school. Faculty, students, parents and other members of the community rolled up their sleeves for the digging and planting. The trees are disease resistant and will provide an extended season with blossoms appearing in early May and a harvest of various colors, textures and flavors beginning in September through to November. The trees will grow 12-18 inches per year and reach 12-15 feet tall. Our first full harvest will be within four years.
Students measured and marked the location of irrigation lines and placed a stake where each tree was to be planted. Our agriculture and Future Farmers of America student partners from the high school tested the soil and helped with planting and maintaining the trees. Within the orchard a circular area will become a gathering space for classes and shared moments with friends. At the tree planting celebration students presented learning activities that support the Living Campus mission.
Our newest garden project, "A Garden of Friendship" is an idea that will grow: kids gardening together in a space designed to be accessible to all, regardless of physical challenges. On June 4, 2008, members of Student Council and Life Skills classes planted a container garden of flowers and vegetables. Over the summer months, the garden will be tended by students in our summer programs and all produce grown will be donated to local food banks. Plans to expand the garden in the future include raised beds and garden features that will allow universal access for school community and plantings all members of our community will enjoy.
Join Us
We invite you to participate in the Living Campus program and help establish a foundation of knowledge that will serve our community in developing and maintaining a sustainable future. Opportunities include the construction of trails and gardens, workshops, summer maintenance and fundraisers. Financial donations as well as products and services are most welcome.
Summer Contact: Jan Ragno
