Local FACS Teachers Recognized for Their Farm to School Curriculum

Alyssa Ambrosius (Monticello High School FACS Teacher) and Karen Smith (Monticello Middle School) have been asked to publish the Farm to School curriculum they have created over the last 2 years! There curriculum is quite unique because it incorporates indoor raised garden beds, interdisciplinary learning and involving local growers to give students a new outlook on food. The beginning of their Farm to School journey was made possible with support of local Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) dollars and Live Wright ($17,500 from 2010 – 2011). Although this project no longer receives grant funding, Karen and Alyssa have found effective ways to sustain and build their Farm to School concept for the classroom and beyond.

Karen and Alyssa are currently writing the lesson plans and hope for the curriculum to be released in January through LearningZoneXpress out of Owatonna, MN.  This company heard them speak at a state FACS conference last winter, sent them to speak at a national conference in Florida last summer, and now have given them a wonderful opportunity by publishing their FACS curriculum.  The company is even looking to have them speak at more conferences next summer!  When asked about this opportunity, Mrs. Smith shared, “The SHIP grant opened the door to a new way for us to teach foods and nutrition.  We now teach with the theme being food with integrity.  Food with integrity means thinking about what you put into your mouth and where it came from and what it does for your body.  We are excited and grateful for every opportunity we have had to share our passion for Farm to School with others!”