We are thrilled to announce a new agriculture project that will bring hands-on, sustainable learning to our students! In partnership with The Growcer, a Canadian agritech company specializing in year-round modular farms, we will be deploying a hydroponic farm at Prairie River Junior High School. This innovative, climate-controlled system will allow students to grow food in all seasons, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, nutritious produce for our community. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge about food security and agricultural technology, students will develop critical skills in teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Students from E.W. Pratt High, Prairie River Junior High, and Prairie View Outreach School will be actively involved in managing the farm, growing produce like lettuce, peppers, and strawberries. From seed to harvest, they will learn about efficient water use, plant nutrition, and sustainable food production practices. Our goal is to supply fresh produce to local schools and, as the program develops, potentially expand to surrounding communities.
This project was approved at the December 17 Board Meeting and is spearheaded by Brennan McDonald, Coordinator of Planning and Special Projects, who has worked diligently to secure funding. We are deeply grateful to the Buchanan Family Foundation for their incredible $315,000 donation, which has made this initiative possible. Their generosity is not only investing in education and sustainability but also in the future well-being of our students and community.
Launch Timeline: We are set to begin this project in the next school year, with our first harvest expected in October 2025. As this initiative takes root, we look forward to seeing how it will inspire students, strengthen community connections, and promote a more sustainable future.
Stay tuned as we take this exciting step toward sustainable agriculture, food security, and hands-on learning for our students!
