Data Collection and Gratitude
- Erin Casey
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
At SustainEd Farms, April, May, September, and October are the busiest months for our team as we dive into gardening programs, planting, maintaining, and harvesting the gardens alongside students. To ensure we’re offering engaging and effective lessons that inspire curiosity, we ask teachers to fill out our bi-annual survey. These surveys gather valuable data that helps us adjust and improve our programming for the future. In addition to the formal surveys, our staff also informally check in with students, asking them to recall what they learned in previous lessons and reflect on something new they discovered during that day's session.
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is the stories we share within the team. Our staff love exchanging these moments of discovery, whether it’s in the team chat or during meetings. These shared experiences not only connect us but also serve as a reminder of the impact we’re making on our students’ growth and curiosity.
There’s nothing more motivating than watching students have fun while learning, asking thoughtful questions, and recalling lessons from past visits. These moments fuel our excitement and remind us of the impact we’re making. But every so often, we’re pleasantly surprised by the generosity of students, teachers, and community members. Over the years, staff have received thoughtful gifts like homemade cookies and fresh bouquets of garden flowers.
One of the most memorable gifts came from a fourth-grade teacher at Inspire Elementary last year. As she walked her class into the garden, she presented our staff with a beautifully hand-knit chicken she had crafted herself. The chicken’s colors were inspired by the very chickens at Inspire, adding a personal and heartfelt touch. Now, the chicken has a special place in our office, sitting proudly in a chair to greet staff and visitors alike. We have big plans for this little chicken—it’s set to go on a city tour this summer, showing off the vibrant gardens blooming at our schools. Stay tuned for the adventure!