ACS has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program to build and install its first greenhouse. The grant check was presented to Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen at an AtlantiCare workshop on Thursday, January 12. Pictured above at the workshop, from left, are Mrs. Oblen and AtlantiCare health educator Amy Hogan.
A geodesic dome-shaped greenhouse is planned, made out of lumber and plexiglass. Students in the high school woodworking class will be building the greenhouse during the spring semester, under the direction of faculty member Drew Carney. The greenhouse, which will be 9 feet high and 18 feet in diameter, will be located adjacent to the current school garden. A koi pond is also envisioned to be installed in the greenhouse.
“We’re very excited about the new opportunities for hands-on learning that this greenhouse will provide our students, hopefully to get underway in the next school year,” said Mrs. Oblen. “Students at every grade level who are studying life and earth sciences, biology, environmental science, and even culinary arts will benefit from projects in the greenhouse.” In addition, students who attend ACS Cougar Camp during the summer will be able to explore learning opportunities in the greenhouse.