The Grow Zone

Basic Information

Grade Level: K-5
Address: Willow Springs Elementary 6800 Dwight Rowland Rd Willow Spring, NC 27592
Person of Contact: Megan Lewis

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The Grow Zone


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Additional Information

Student Size: 920
Student/Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Number of Teachers: 43
Funding: Donations, Grants
Gardens (Sq. Feet): 100 X 30ft Vegetable Garden
Program Highlights:

The Grow Zone is a 100' X 30' vegetable garden grown with organic practices. The dream of having the garden evolved around the desire to bring the science curriculum to life for students. As we dove deeper into the project, we found that gardening supported far more than science objectives. In the Grow Zone, students not only learn curriculum, they also learn life skills such as healthy eating habits, responsibility, cooperation, pride in their work and an understanding of agriculture. Students have active roles in caring for their plants to help them grow to maturity and produce fruits. Our students reap the rewards of harvesting vegetables, eating the fruits of their labor, and enjoying the flowers and wildlife that come with gardening. One student put it best, "Our garden is awesome!"

Mission Statement:

Our Purpose
· To promote learning through real-world applications of science, reading, writing, math, health, social studies, art and guidance objectives from the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (Learn by doing!)
· To encourage children to lead a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating and physical activity as promoted in “Eat Smart, Move More: North Carolina’s Plan to Prevent Overweight, Obesity, and Related Chronic Diseases” (Eat smart, move more!)
· To increase the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed daily by our students both inside and outside school as promoted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Eat more fruits and veggies!)
· To increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of agriculture and its importance to our society (Food does not come from a store!)
· To learn how to conserve water intelligently while recognizing that water resources are a limited, precious commodity (Be water-wise!)
· To encourage home gardening through demonstrating a variety of garden types: in-ground plots, container gardens, hanging gardens, etc. (Everyone can have a garden!)
· To teach food safety from seed to table. (Be smart, eat safe!)
· To teach students to be stewards of the community by donating extra produce to the local food pantry. (Help others!)