Learning Garden with A Just Harvest

Interim Principal Augustine Emuwa said the garden’s place at the school has become a metaphor for everything Gale stands for and hopes to accomplish in the neighborhood.
 
The Gale-AJH partnership is unique and priceless – it’s not only steeped in action, but outcomes. We’re growing kids and changing lives forever,” said Gale Principal, Augie Emuwa. “The 49th ward PB process was a golden opportunity for the neighborhood to make a collective impact.
 
It's all about looking at things from a growth mindset," Emuwa added. "We grow kids, because we want kids to do the exact same thing our plants are doing in the school community: grow our kids so they can grow our community.
 
The garden will feature melons, pumpkins, strawberries, cucumbers, beans, herbs, lettuce and fruit trees that will be maintained, harvested and consumed by Gale students and other neighbors. The school's gardening club, which consists of a group of about 10 students, will meet throughout the week to plant, nourish, grow, harvest, cook and learn about different types of food and its health benefits.

Between a handful of garden beds, an enclosed hoop house and a greenhouse on the middle school's third floor, students and community volunteers who visit Gale's garden have plenty to do.