Current Longterm Impact Initiatives

At RSU 22, we are passionate about providing our students with the best possible learning experiences. We believe that integrating local foods, hands-on gardening activities, and outdoor education into our curriculum not only enriches academic learning but also fosters important life skills and values.

Our vision is to create a vibrant and sustainable Farm and Sea to School program by: 

• sourcing local menu items
• preparing meals from scratch
• enhancing our curriculum with garden-based activities and experiences. 

By doing so, we aim to:

• strengthen community partnerships 
• promote environmental stewardship 
• support student success through innovative project-based education.

Current Projects: 

• Repairing and finishing the greenhouse at Smith School 
• Purchasing fruit trees for the Smith Orchard
• Providing summer supplies for our garden programs 

Your investment in these projects will directly impact student success, professional excellence among educators, community partnerships, and operational excellence within our program.

Your support, whether through financial contributions or volunteer efforts, plays a crucial role in helping our program thrive and continue its upward trajectory.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and communities. Thank you for joining us on this journey to grow, learn, and inspire through the RSU 22 Farm and Sea to School Program.

For questions about the program or to volunteer, please reach out to Brittany Layman @ blayman@rsu22.us

The goal for Farm and Sea to School is to raise $4,000 by the end of May, 2024.  As Brittany states in her application, "It's amazing what you can do with a lot of hard work and just a little bit of money! RSU22 has one of the best school nutrition and garden programs in the state and we want to continue our excellent program." 

 As a culminating end-of-the-year activity after reading the novel, Zinnia and The Bees, the 6th grade teaching team would like to yarn bomb one of the trees in the pollinator garden at Reeds Brook Middle School. The main character in this text likes to knit and yarn bombs various items in her neighborhood and house. 

Yarn bombing is a form of street art that employs colorful displays that are not destructive or harmful to the host object. This would be an engaging activity that all 6th students will participate in. We intend to create a sense of community, belonging, and excitement for school while teaching students a lifelong skill that will generate text-to-self connections. 

Knitting is mathematically complicated and relates to different disciplines, from patterning and geometry to coding. The rhythmic action of knitting can be similar to meditation and alleviates stress, allowing children to relax the mind which the main character of the novel demonstrates. By learning how to knit, children apply discipline, focus and coordination to create an item of value and practicality. They learn that hard work can be rewarded, which builds their sense of accomplishment. 

The yarn bomb will be assembled from each student's knitted yarn square to form an extremely creative, and collaborative visual art piece that will be displayed in front of the school.  

Although this is a short-term initiative, the looms they buy will be reused by future 6th-grade classes. 

Sample yarn bomb: https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/yarn-bombing-community-project/ 

 
Join us to create a colorful community and make a difference! Together, we can weave creativity, warmth, and support into our surroundings. Your generosity is appreciated.