STEAM Tech Grows Event

STEAM Tech Academy is growing! As you may or may not know, this year was the first year of JIA's elementary academy, STEAM Tech. As the first year comes to a close, we are thrilled with the success we have had and excited about what is to come in the future.

Something we are very excited about is how much we are GROWING! Our incredible STEAM Tech students (and their families) had the opportunity to celebrate being a member of STEAM Tech during the first year of its existence through our "STEAM Tech Grows" event. The event consisted of dedicating and reconstructing a new garden space behind our building. Hilary Estep, visionary of the event and STEAM Tech mom, spent countless hours behind the scenes to make the garden a success. I asked Hilary to share some information about how she came up with the idea of "STEAM Tech Grows".

"I believe it is really important for kids to be connected to nature and the earth. It is a big part of what I try to give my own kids. Helping take care of the earth builds community and helps bring people together. I wanted to help bring STEAM Tech students and families together through planting and taking care of the garden."

The students worked very hard to prepare for

the event by painting tires, planting seeds, and preparing the soil. They learned the correct way to weed (and even had fun with it!) Families came together and donated supplies and volunteered their time to make the vision come to life. Some examples of seeds that were planted include sunflowers, pumpkins, watermelon, beans, and herbs. The garden also includes a special sensory portion. In this portion of the garden, the students planted a variety of plants to satisfy each of the sensory systems. The students planted Angel Wing seeds for touch; basil, oregano, and thyme for taste and smell; and used bright colored tires as planters to satisfy sight. They are hoping to hear bees around the garden very soon. Each family that participated in the event painted a post with their names on it to keep in the garden.

You may be wondering, what is the plan for the garden in the future? Hilary Estep has many ideas, but wants to keep the options open so students and their families can help and share their thoughts. "My vision is to have kids make the garden their own and have it be accessible for the kids. I want it to be like an open book, I want to help make the space whatever the kids and families want of it. I have lots of ideas, but we will take it one step at a time with the input of families and kids in the future.”

It was so exciting to see our STEAM Tech families come together to be apart of planting the garden, which is something that will last for years to come. It was truly a "all hands on deck" celebration!