As the ongoing assault to our senses in the form of the overused measurement instruments known as high stakes standardized tests continues unabated, our school district prepares to engage stakeholders from nearby schools in a gathering of staff and students to celebrate the wisdom of using a simple way to observe powerful learning—through and in a school garden.  Here is what visitors can expect:

• See the curiosity of young minds gathering on the fertile ground that can propel their imagination into future scientists—have them study and practice the habits of mind through authentic experiments in a garden.

• Give children a chance to become inspired by directly taking their cues in the fresh air of a healthful environment where seedlings mature into tender plants that nourish the soul as much as they nourish the body.  Consider the following image:

• Is it possible to see artistic expression wrapped around the perimeter of a garden in the form of Jackson Pollock panels, upcycled use of materials that produce creative stepping stones, sculptures, and decorative planters?  Here’s an example:

Ultimately, these images do not tell the whole story--no image ever will.  They do, however, convey the important ideal that our quest for minds that can creatively confront the challenges of tomorrow must be nurtured both inside and outside of the classroom.