Specifications include, but are not limited to: Gadsden City Schools intends to implement a Teaching Garden Program for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program will consist of one component: (1) School day education at five elementary schools. Each school will receive: - Garden educator to meet with all classes kindergarten through 5th grade (3rd--5th grade in the fall/K–2nd grade in the spring) 28 teaching days per school (14 fall/ 14 spring). 140 days in the schools (28 weeks x 5 schools). - Each student will experience 7 weeks of instruction on a bi-weekly basis per year - Classes will be 30-45 minutes in length - Garden lessons include planting, harvesting, and cooking - Lessons will also incorporate insects, photosynthesis, life cycles, measuring, weather and temperature logs, mapping, graphing, composting, earthworms, soil, - all aligned with STEM standards - Maintenance of garden beds year-round, including improving areas where gardens are located. This may include, but not limited to weed-eating, mowing, adding fruit trees and herb planters, adding and repairing irrigation, adding sheds for storage, seating, and shade areas. Maintenance service to end September 30, 2025. - Produce and flowers harvested will be shared with faculty and families. - Service provider will submit a log signed off by the school principal documenting services provided with each invoice - Invoices to be submitted and paid on a monthly basis
