April 22, 2024 –The second-grade classes of Warrensburg-Latham Elementary School celebrated Earth Day by continuing a garden project thanks to a grant from ADM.
As part of a project on life cycles, 2nd Grade teacher, Mrs. Caryn Fuiten started a garden last year to show students how plants start as seeds and grow into flowers and vegetables. To expand the project, Fuiten applied for a grant through the ADM Grant Program. Fuiten’s class was awarded that grant, totaling $950, to allow the classes to purchase additional dirt, planters, and flowers for this year.
To celebrate Earth Day, 75 students from the 2nd grade classes planted their garden with the seedlings they raised themselves in class.
“What they are reading about in the book is wonderful and what they’re writing about…but to see it hands on and to see it in action is very rewarding,” said Fuiten. “They get very excited when they see their sprouts start to grow even taller, so we are able to incorporate math because then they are able to get their rulers out and measure how tall. It incorporates all the curricular areas.”
The ADM STEM grant, which was decided by a committee at ADM and endowed by The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, is one of two grants awarded this year by ADM. The second grant went to Okaw Valley schools to purchase STEM equipment.
“This gives students an opportunity to gain knowledge and plant science and also instill an opportunity to have school pride,” said Tory Williams, ADM Project Manager, and Warrensburg Latham Board Vice President. “Kids are getting to learn about the plant life cycle, develop a love of planting, and also develop a passion for school beautification.”
