1. Sow the Seeds for School Gardens to Grow Student Success Marilyn Grudniski Administrative Officer, Little Lions Daycare and Kindergarten Janice Piper Public Health Nutritionist, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Marianne Stewart Parent Volunteer / Garden Coordinator, Valley Central School This project was made possible through funding from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

2. School Food Gardens

3. Character Education in the Garden "The school garden offers an excellent way to teach respect for the land, responsibility for living things, cooperation with others... perseverance and patience in trying again and again when something doesn't grow well, fairness and sharing of the harvest, and compassion and caring for the earth.” Primary Teacher, Upsala Public School

4. Garden-based Learning = Student Success Students who have the opportunity to participate with school gardens become ready to learn, resilient and responsible. Royal Horticultural Society

5. A Bountiful Harvest Students who interact with garden based learning experience increased overall GPAs, especially in math and science. From the Edible School Yard Evaluation

6. Reaping the Benefits School Food Gardens Fulfill Board Goals Encourages actions consistent with 2011-2012 operational plan Fulfills current policies: - Food and Beverage Policy 6050 - Environmental Policy 4045 Supports provincial directions - Foundations for a Healthy School - Healthy Foods for Healthy Schools Act (Bill 8) Increases food security for school community

7. Fruits of Labour Teachers from schools with gardens rated their school as more conducive to learning than did control school teachers. From the Edible School Yard Evaluation

8. Breaking Ground What is a school food garden support statement? Official endorsement States the value to the public Acknowledges that a process is necessary

9. Building the Soil Why a statement of support and process? LDSB schools are starting gardens! Clear communication and expectations Better planning = better outcomes Outlines clear process to ensure long-term success

10. Building the Soil Why a statement of support and process (cont’d) : Adheres to existing school grounds codes and standards Aligns gardens with school board goals Builds resources that support board objectives

11. The Valley Central Story

12. Having a Plan A written process for school food gardens clarifies: land use and planning summer care communication long-term sustainability infrastructure

13. Pollinators in Action Gardens build communities: School daycares School communities Social network Funders

14. Plant the Seeds for Success Create a LDSB statement of support and process for school food gardens

15. Thank you!