CULTIVATING EXCELLENCE CENTER HILL’S FARM FIELD TRIP

Kelly Watson

Every year, Overpark Elementary kindergarteners in the Desoto County School District find themselves on a highly anticipated field trip to the farm at the district’s high school, Center Hill. The trip allows the young students to immerse themselves into fun, handson activities while serving as an opportunity for them to learn the value of resourcefulness. While they only get a glimpse into all the effort that goes into Center Hill’s farm, they gain exposure to a world outside of their normal curriculum by having the opportunity to pet, hold and feed animals they might normally only see at a petting zoo. There’s also face painting, dancing and a nature table. The nature table consists of different elements that can be found in nature, such as shells, fossils and feathers. This allows the children to touch, feel and see things out of their ordinary curriculum. The hope is that this exposure can lead to an interest in agricultural or animal science that will only grow as they get older.

Angel Pilcher, the Nutrition and Wellness and Resource Management instructor at Center Hill, started the farm 12 years ago with only two raised garden beds. It has since evolved into something much larger, now having greenhouses and shelters for all sorts of animals, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, bunnies, snakes and chinchillas. As far as vegetables and herbs, they grow anything and everything that can thrive within the area. Pilcher praises the generosity of donors and grants that have allowed the farm to develop this far along.

Some of the courses that utilize the farm are Nutrition and Wellness, Resource Management, Natural Resources and Cooking, as well as the Garden Club. The farm serves to support STEM education in several different aspects, as well as overall resourcefulness. Lessons include learning hydroponics, as well as using rain catchers for irrigation and compost for fertilizer. Other courses not directly related to the farm can also take advantage of the green space, such as English, art and self-contained classes. Pilcher expressed that it’s important for her to create a space where students can make mistakes and learn about life cycles while gaining a deeper appreciation for the field of agriculture. Pilcher said, “Yes, we learn agricultural and animal science, but we also learn responsibility and life skills while having the chance to promote mental wellness and connecting with nature.” She helps her students understand that mistakes are a part of life, and something to grow from rather than something to fear. This approach also boosts problem-solving skills and encourages criti- cal thinking within her classroom.

Opposite page: The students were excited to meet all the animals on the farm, including the snake! Top: The nature table held different natural elements for the children to touch, feel and observe closely. Middle: Students were able to get up close and personal with the different animals on the farm. Bottom: Angel Pilcher started the farm at Center Hill 12 years ago, at the time it was only two raised garden beds.

Along with those lessons, the students can see that producing food isn’t as simple as going to the grocery store. After taking her class, they have witnessed the long and complicated process of farming, as well as how much hard work and dedication goes into growing the food that they eat. Abigail Ingram, an 11th grader, pointed out how this class is the only opportunity for her to do this kind of work saying, “In our Natural Resources and Cooking class, we use what we grow and the eggs we collect from the chickens to cook ‘farm to table’ which I would never usually do.” Although Ingram doesn’t plan to pursue a career path in agriculture, she is getting the opportunity to learn these important life skills.

Having a place where students can feel connected to nature is extremely beneficial to overall mental wellness, as Jonathan Hernandez, a senior student, said, “It’s always great when we get to take a break from our desk and come outside to work on the farm.” His favorite aspect on the farm is with the animals, especially the bunnies. Ingram agrees with him saying, “My favorite part about helping with the farm is the hands-on work we get to do with the animals here. We provide them with everything they need: food and a cozy environment.”

When asked why Pilcher felt the need to embark on such a labor-intensive project by starting the farm at Center Hill High School, she emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning by saying, “How much more can you learn when you touch, smell, taste and see?

When you use all five of your senses, you learn five times as much.”