The day began in the classroom at Oriole Park Elementary, where students eagerly welcomed the H.O.P.E. Gardens team. Mrs. Smith led a lively lesson from Growing Healthy Habits on how different kinds of weather—like frost, drought, heat, or too much rain—can affect a garden. Students were all ears, recalling facts from past lessons and sharing their own insights.
To build on what they learned, the class played a fun and interactive game that showed why growing a variety of fruits and vegetables helps keep gardens healthy and strong. It was a hit!
Then came a highlight of the day: every student received an apron of their very own. The excitement was off the charts. The aprons inspired kids to imagine cooking with their families at home. “I’m going to wear mine when I help make dinner with my dad,” one student said proudly.
With aprons tied and imaginations engaged, students gathered to assemble a special snack called “Sticks, Stones, and Bricks” made from a pretzel stick (sticks), a grape (stone), a slice of cucumber (another stone), and a piece of cheese (bricks). Each bite came with a story—about strength, creativity, and garden-grown goodness.
One child wore his apron to lunch and proudly told the cafeteria workers, “I have an apron just like you—I’m going to work!” He wasn’t kidding, either. He jumped in to help serve with a huge smile on his face.
Students also started seeds for their school garden in seed trays before heading out to plant pea seeds.
The garden was buzzing with anticipation. Students couldn’t wait to dig in—literally! With care and teamwork, they planted peas, chatting excitedly as they pressed seeds into the soil. It was a joyful end to a day full of learning, laughter, and hands-on discovery.
We are thankful for our partnership with the Michigan Fitness Foundation, that gives us the opportunity to bring SnapED garden and nutrition lessons to these Wyoming Public School students.