Colorado School Seeks Room to Grow

On March 3, 2009 a school in Longmont, Colorado, got the green light on a parent- and student-inspired greenhouse project that will provide a space for teachers to communicate traditional subjects in a non-traditional setting.

Flagstaff Academy is a Preschool - Middleschool public charter school within the St. Vrain Valley School District with a mission to provide a science and technology-focused liberal arts curriculum that promotes excellence, teamwork, respect, and a lifelong love of learning.

First envisioned by Flagstaff parent Leha Moskoff, the greenhouse will provide an opportunity for students to participate in hands-on learning experiences that bring science and the environment to the forefront. Flagstaff Academy currently uses an integrated and challenging curriculum based on the Core Knowledge curricular sequence.

“The greenhouse will provide a living classroom for the teachers at Flagstaff to be creative with,” said Moskoff. “It provides a hands on approach to learning that many students require to truly learn a skill. And, the greenhouse will be mostly filled with edible plants that many students have never liked or tried. Being a part of the growing process, from start to finish, creates a connection to the food we put in our bodies. Children are more likely to try vegetables if they help grow them. If we can introduce healthy food choices to our children, imagine the health of our future!”

The proposed greenhouse will be a 33-foot geodesic dome-shaped structure with 850 square feet of usable space- enough room for a class of 30 students. The dome will be manufactured by Colorado-based Growing Spaces Growing Domes, is able to be assembled in one weekend. Thanks to grassroots fund raising efforts by families at the school, Whole Foods Market in Boulder, has already pledged $750 toward purchasing the structure and volunteered manpower to assemble the greenhouse on build day. After hearing about the school’s approval of the project, Moskoff’s classmates at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition also pitched in by donating over $1,000 in just over an hour. These student donations were generously matched by IIN’s administration to equal $3,000.

At the request of the Flagstaff’s Board of Directors, Moskoff carefully reviewed the school’s course work for grades K-5 and identified at least three topics in each year that would directly relate to the greenhouse. In addition there are hopes of raising garden produce for use at the school.

“The sense of community that transpires from a shared goal is powerful,” said Moskoff. “It makes us all feel good and like we are truly creating a better world for ourselves and our children. For me, this is what fund raising is all about. If someone is able to donate funds for our greenhouse, I encourage you to do so.”

The Greenhouse Committee at Flagstaff Academy is currently looking for grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors to help them reach their goal of $23,000 for the purchase of the “classroom” greenhouse. Interested parties should contact Flagstaff Academy at (303) 651-7900 or by mail at 1841 Lefthand Circle, Longmont, Colorado, 80501.