Garden and Nutrition

FOUNDATION-FUNDED PROGRAM 

The Foundation supports a garden education program at TPES for all students using the Foundation-funded Rutabaga Education Curriculum that can be offered by TPES teachers and volunteers. This hands-on program helps all TPES students develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through garden-based science, nutrition, and nature experiences. The program aims to provide structure, teaching standards, and exciting tools for all ages and abilities at TPES to be curious and successful in gardening, science, nature, and nutrition. The program helps develop lifelong healthy habits personally, in the community, and on the planet.

This program incorporates science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and differentiated Common Core standards while learning about nutrition, environmental responsibility, and collaboration.

The garden program also offers an impactful community building opportunity on campus that engages students, teachers, staff, and families to generate campus pride and friendships. TPES community members have opportunities to volunteer and help look after the TPES garden on campus.

An after school garden club is being planned. Please contact garden@tpesfoundation.org for more information.

To ensure long-term sustainability of the TPES garden and ease of maintenance, the Foundation recently invested in new irrigation for our garden beds as well as fresh supplies to support the program.

We are planning apply for a grant for supplies by the Village Garden Club of La Jolla and will explore other funding opportunities. We are so grateful for their support last year! 

The Foundation is also working with the district to participate in their "Harvest of the Month" program to provide farm-to-school produce for students.

For more information, please contact TPES Foundation VP Academic Affairs. To volunteer, please contact TPES Foundation VP Campus Relations & TPES Foundation Garden Chair.