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Growing More Than Produce: How the DSS Organic Garden Builds Skills and Confidence

 

Special needs students standing in a vegetable patch, surrounded by various plants and greenery.

 

Learning goes far beyond the classroom for our DSS students.

One of the most impactful examples of this is our on-campus Organic Garden. Students plant, grow, harvest, and sell fresh organic produce including 

  • broccoli 
  • mixed greens
  • cucumbers 
  • tomatoes
  • variety of herbs and spices. 

What begins as seeds in the soil becomes a powerful hands-on learning experience.

This program intentionally brings together students from across our specialized programs. Core and Bridge program students take an active role in planting, watering, maintaining, and harvesting crops. Our DRIVE program students build vocational skills by packaging and selling the produce.

The benefits of the garden for our students with special needs are significant. Gardening promotes sensory regulation, patience, responsibility, and teamwork. 

It strengthens fine and gross motor skills, supports social communication, and builds confidence as students see the results of their hard work. 

Tending the garden provides real-life learning experiences. It fosters independence, work readiness, and pride in meaningful contributions to our school community. We love seeing our students grow, in more ways than one.

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