Students at Simon Youth Clark-Pleasant Academy have a unique opportunity to partner with the high school agricultural department and receive hands-on gardening experience.
Cultivating Plants and Community
Led by Academy Leader Lesleigh Groce, students have the opportunity to cultivate both plants and community. Students fulfill community service hours, an Indiana graduation pathway requirement, through the curriculum Lesleigh has adapted to meet students’ needs.
Atrium Transformation – Over 300 Plants Find a New Home
Recently, the school corporation transported over 300 plants to their new home within the atrium of the Simon Youth Academy at Clark Pleasant. The move provides beautiful scenery for the Academy and cleans the air at the same time. This green initiative has inspired students so much that they also request the plants as incentives to take to their own homes.
Pride and Ownership
Approximately 10-15 students passionately dig into this work. They take great pride in their work and express themselves in new ways through this therapeutic venture. This project gives a sense of pride and ownership to students while exposing them to gardening, a skill they may not have learned otherwise.
Enriching Experiences
The collaboration with the agriculture department is creating positive and enriching experiences for the scholars at Simon Youth Clark-Pleasant Academy. We celebrate this alliance and innovation by our educators!
