The dog days of summer are here in Kansas City and schoolyard gardens are showing it. Juicy tomatoes are in abundance, as are vibrantly green cucumber and zucchini plants. Yum! One school exemplifying the bodacious summer harvest is Accelerated Schools of Overland Park.  

Ms. Lusher coordinates the garden at ASOP: “Our environmental science class is in charge of the school garden. They pick what plants to grow, plant them, water, weed, harvest, and prepare snacks with them. This summer we made kale chips, salsa, salad, baked potatoes, and enjoyed a whole lot of snacking on fresh tomatoes and raspberries. 

Some of the students have even chosen to expand their learning by starting gardens at their own homes. We use the garden to explore environmental concepts like soil formation, water quality, and food production.” 

Liz, who attends ASOP says “It’s fun to eat fruit from the gardens. I like taking home parts of the raspberry bush (to plant at home)”  

Another student, Jordyn said “I like the garden because it gives us a chance to go out and explore nature.”