Ridgeway Elementary School’s courtyard garden became an outdoor classroom today as Rutgers University’s Master Gardeners visited to help students discover the joys of gardening. All students in preschool through fifth grade participated, making this a schoolwide opportunity to learn, explore, and grow together.
The visit connected gardening with classroom learning, giving students an opportunity to ask questions, make observations, and learn about caring for plants. Our courtyard garden offers a meaningful setting for exploring science concepts, building curiosity about the natural world, and understanding how care and responsibility can help living things thrive.
Beyond the academic connections, gardening provides an opportunity for students to practice teamwork, patience, and respect for the environment. Experiences like today’s visit help children see that learning extends beyond classroom walls and that they can play a part in caring for shared spaces.
We are grateful to the Rutgers Master Gardeners for sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with our students. We also sincerely appreciate their generous donations to our courtyard garden, which help sustain this special space for continued learning and discovery.
Thank you to our Master Gardeners for helping us nurture both our garden and our students’ curiosity. Your partnership helps our school community grow!
