Chalkboard: Montessori's learning pond; graduation livestreams; Wilson athletes announce colleges

Patrick Hite, Staunton News Leader
Updated ·3 min read
Staunton Montessori students partnered with Project GROWS to build an outdoor learning space.
Staunton Montessori students partnered with Project GROWS to build an outdoor learning space.
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STAUNTON — Montessori students have been working with the Staunton-based educational nonprofit farm Project GROWS to develop an outdoor learning pond. On Thursday, two students will lead a farm tour for their classmates and teachers to showcase this semester-long capstone project.

Staunton Montessori School and Project GROWS have partnered to offer an expanded curriculum based on garden education for students of all ages. Through the development of a community-based project, students were offered the autonomy to design and execute a permanent learning space on the farm.

After interviewing staff to better understand the needs of the farm, two 14-year-old Montessori students designed a water feature project to completely rebuild the current outdoor learning area on-site.

Students also interviewed Rich Wood, the education and outreach coordinator at Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District. He answered students’ questions about tadpole habitat preferences and detailed his own experience creating water features.

Students researched best practices for increasing pond biodiversity through the planting of pollinator-friendly species and created a tadpole habitat to encourage winter hibernation. Throughout their semester on the farm, students practiced teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills to overcome the challenges that arose during construction.

The Staunton Montessori School adolescent program serves students in grades 7-9 (ages 12-15) by providing a hands-on, project-based learning experience in a compassionate community. This program emphasizes integration and connection among academic topics, grounded in the connections found in the living systems of the world, with the goal of engendering a life-long love for, and habits of, learning.

Staunton Montessori School, located in Fishersville, respects the mind, imagination, and spirit of each student. Grounded in the philosophy of Maria Montessori, they create an environment where children are empowered to fulfill their academic, personal and social potential.

Project GROWS envisions a world with an equitable food system where everyone has the access and knowledge to choose, grow, and enjoy foods that support a healthy life. They are proud to partner with a mission-aligned educational program which also promotes experiential learning.

Graduation livestreams

Several area schools will offer livestreams for their graduations ceremonies this year. The links are below.

Wilson Memorial athletes announce college commitments

Wilson Memorial athletes announced their college choices
Wilson Memorial athletes announced their college choices

The following Wilson Memorial athletes celebrated their college choices at the school Wednesday, May 15.

  • Max Vess - US Military Academy, Track

  • Kealo Smith - Bluefield University, Baseball

  • Jaden Rose - Bluefield University, Baseball

  • Ryan Mundie - Bridgewater College, Football

  • Alex Jordan - James Madison University, Cheerleading

  • Adelie Condra - Hollins University, Soccer

  • Kayla Karnes - Randolph College, Soccer

More: Craigsville granted $3.8 million by newly passed state budget

More: Waynesboro's traffic garden will help new bicyclists learn to ride safely

— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Montessori's learning pond; graduation livestreams; more: Chalkboard