(MARCH 2023)—Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen welcomed Spring with a visit from Crossroads Farm. Fourth-grade students worked collaboratively with the representatives from Crossroads to experience hands-on experiential learning.
“Our partnership with Crossroads Farm enhances Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen students’ problem-solving and reasoning skills through the practice of growing and preparing food,” said Dr. Judith LaRocca, Superintendent of Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen. “Students genuinely enjoy this hands-on experience built around Crossroads Farm’s farm-to-table lessons. The students come away with new knowledge and appreciation of the agricultural process and healthy eating.”
The Sow-to-Grow program presented by Crossroads Farm takes students through the full food process cycle of seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and salad making. For students, the lessons and life skills learned in this program are invaluable. “While so much learning takes place inside the classroom during any given school day, it is important to get our students outside the classroom, providing real-world experiences, to ensure their understanding and appreciation of real-world challenges and opportunities,” added Dr. LaRocca.