When the teacher’s last name is Rose, that bodes well for a gardening elective, right? Maybe that wasn’t part of the thinking for students at St. Mary Magdalene School in Apex, but they rolled up their sleeves and enrolled, nonetheless.
Students took the class three periods a week, during which time they revived the school garden in the courtyard. It included raised beds, hydroponic towers and landscaped areas.
Now that the coursework is complete and they’ve turned in their watering cans, the former 7th and 8th grade students (now rising 8th and 9th graders) shared their thoughts on creation and faith, via their teacher, Michelle Rose.
What did you learn about the connection between your faith and caring for the environment?
Plants grow just like faith in God.
- Adeline B.
I learned that caring for the environment and cleaning it up helps us grow closer to God. We are cleaning up God’s kingdom. Caring for the environment also makes it safer, for example, preventing animals from potentially eating plastic.
- Ranjit B.
I have learned to respect God’s creations and how to help them grow.
- Cecilia B.
I found out about Laudato Si … [and] the connection between God and his creations.
- Louie C.
I learned that taking care of the environment is deeper than just taking care of some plants. It's taking care and showing the beauty of God's creation … no matter how hard it is, taking care of the environment is taking care of God's creation that he left for us to enjoy.
- Sebastian C.
My faith and caring for the environment are connected. By taking care of nature we are taking care of God’s creation.
- Madeleine H.
God connects everything so taking care of our garden is like taking care of God’s kingdom.
- Eli K.
What I learned about the connection between my faith and caring for the environment is that taking care of the environment is something that God would do because he takes care of us.
- Drew T.
You have to care for the Earth because God trusted us to look after his creation.
- Teague V.
What’s the most important thing you learned?
Appreciate the environment; it is God’s creation. I have also learned basic things … such as how to plant and prune a plant.
- Aaron B.
Gardens can be difficult to maintain. You have to constantly water, weed, clean and do other things. You also have to plant the food/flower in the right angle and right time based on their needs. Sometimes animals like rabbits or squirrels will come and eat your food so you have to be careful.
- Ranjit B.
The most important thing that I learned in the gardening elective is to always be patient.
- Gabe D.
We have to maintain certain things, and they will take time but it will be worth it.
- Amelia G.
I think the most important thing I learned was weeding because weeds are everywhere.
- Chloe S.
Have your ideas about gardening or the environment or creation care changed?
I used to think that it was boring. But after planting my own plants, I think it is fun.
- Aaron B.
There are so many things in life that go unnoticed. For example, I never … recognized some of the plants we have planted.
- Cecilia B.
I think gardening is calming and relaxing. The reward is your very own crop.
- Sebastian C.
It made me care a lot more and realize what I was doing for the school and for the environment.
- Ameilia G.
My main ideas about gardening and the environment have mostly stayed the same, but I have learned more about how to take care … and feel a greater need to protect it.
- Madeleine H.
I used to think gardening was boring and useless, but now I know how cool it is.
- Eli K.
I have learned the different species and what color they will bloom into.
- Jack N.
What was your favorite part of this gardening elective?
My favorite part is getting to watch the radishes I planted grow.
- Adeline B.
Going outside! It’s the last class and going outside is refreshing and peaceful.
- Ranjit B.
My favorite part was watering all the plants and planting the flowers. I also enjoyed seeing all the butterflies and insects.
- Cecilia B.
My favorite part of the gardening elective was watching my turnips slowly grow into beautiful plants.
- Louie C.
It was exciting to watch things grow through the time and effort we put into it.
- Teague V.
What have you shared with your family about the gardening elective?
I tell them about our daily activities, and I shared herbs we grew in the garden with them for cooking.
- Louie C.
I talk to my mom about this elective every day after getting home. I tell her about my watermelon, watering, and the basic things that we learned during class.
- Aaron B.
I have talked to them about the cucumbers I am growing in our garden and how proud I am of it.
- Ranjit B.
I have shared with my family the green onions and basil that we planted.
- Gabe D.
I’ve shared with them how to plant vegetables in our garden. Talked to them about how to water and explained how the little things we do in the garden can have a big impact.
- Teague V.
Photos
Photos courtesy of St. Mary Magdalene School
