Ms. Galandiuk in the Bluestone Garden with students lined up while she presents.

A sign that says "Garden" staked in a small field of green plants. The brick corner of a building in the background.

We’re fortunate to have beautiful and fruitful gardens that enhance our school grounds while creating new opportunities for students to learn. These outdoor spaces allow students to observe nature, explore science and experience firsthand how fruits and vegetables grow.

Students at Bluestone Elementary have also been exploring the science of growing food without leaving their school. Thanks to retired Bluestone teacher Sue Galandiuk and her dedicated garden team, the Bluestone courtyard garden is filled with fall crops, including apples. This week, students visited the garden to observe how fruits and vegetables develop and had the opportunity to pick the apples once they were ripe.

School gardens can support lessons in science, nutrition, environmental awareness and responsibility. They give students a chance to see the results of patience, care and collaboration while building a greater appreciation for the natural world. These experiences can make classroom concepts easier to understand and remember.

Beyond their educational value, the school gardens bring color, life and beauty to our buildings. They provide welcoming spaces where students and staff can step outside, enjoy the fresh air and take a quiet moment to recharge. We are grateful for the staff members, volunteers and community partners who help these spaces continue to grow and flourish for our students.

Ms. Galandiuk talks to three students who are holding apples and examining them.Ms. Galandiuk and a student examine an apple tree to find a ripe apple.