Press Release: On Feb. 3, second grade students at Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS) in North Branford were treated to an interactive book presentation and hands on planting activity from the Connecticut Farm Bureau. 

Students learned about seeds, the growth cycle, photosynthesis, and farming techniques and they explored this learning by actively planting classroom planters with water, seeds, and soil.  Further, each student left the presentation with their own mini-planters with bean sprouts that they will watch grow and make observations about what they see. in conjunction with Next Generation Science Standards.

This hands-on learning and presentation was organized by Debbi Tanner and the Women's Leadership Committee of the Connecticut Farm Bureau.  As part of the experience, Sylvia and Hugh Winchell of Winchell Farms in Hamden, were on-hand supporting the science investigations. The Winchells also donated a "book barn" bookcase for the JHS library, complete with a number of farming-related books.  The bookcase was crafted by students from HH Ellis Technical High School in Danielson, CT.

JHS principal Carter Welch, Ed.D. said the collaborative and community-based project around farming was, "...a wonderful way for JHS students to learn about the important role that farming and farms play in our country as well as locally in North Branford."

The students truly enjoyed their experience and Welch was appreciative of the time, resources, and community support provided to make the event possible through the Connecticut Farm Bureau and Winchell Farms.