Grants in Action: A Harvest of Gratitude at Poulsbo Elementary

From seed to salad—STEM, teamwork, and thankfulness in every bite.

Thanksgiving may come once a year, but at Poulsbo Elementary, gratitude has been growing in the classroom since the very first seed was planted.

This year, three dedicated teachers - Camille Bothe, Mary Salazar, and Alissa Drowns turned their classrooms into living laboratories with a North Kitsap Schools Foundation grant that funded the Lettuce Grow Farmstand Project. These self-watering, self-fertilizing hydroponic towers transformed everyday lessons into hands-on experiments in science, sustainability, and gratitude.

Even though the harvest celebration took place back in February, the lessons of growth, teamwork, and appreciation have continued to flourish, proving that thankfulness doesn’t just belong to November; it’s something you can cultivate all year long.

Seeds of Learning and Leadership

For nearly 90 fourth and fifth-graders, the classroom looked a little different this year. Instead of just learning about plant life cycles, they were living them. Students worked together to plant seeds, track growth, adjust lighting and water levels, and record scientific observations—all while connecting lessons in biology, environmental science, and nutrition.

“It’s been amazing to watch their curiosity grow right alongside the plants,” said teacher Camille Bothe. “They’ve learned patience, teamwork, and responsibility—and they’re genuinely proud of what they’ve created together.”

The hum of LED lights and the trickle of water from the hydroponic towers became the soundtrack of discovery. Every few days, new sprouts appeared, a visual reminder that care, attention, and consistency can turn something small into something thriving.

From Science Lab to Salad Bar

When harvest time finally came, the excitement was contagious. Students snipped fresh lettuce and herbs they had nurtured from seed to maturity, washed their harvest, and prepared their very own tasting celebration.

Some students were skeptical at first; classroom-grown salad wasn’t exactly on their wish list. But once they tried it, everything changed.

“I didn’t think I’d like it,” one student admitted, “but it’s actually really good!”

That moment of discovery—watching kids proudly taste what they had grown with their own hands—was more than just a science lesson. It was a celebration of patience, perseverance, and the joy that comes from shared effort.

Growing Gratitude

The Lettuce Grow Farmstand wasn’t just about plants; it was about people. Students learned to depend on one another, take turns caring for the farmstand, and problem-solve when something wasn’t working just right. Those experiences built empathy, communication, and a deeper understanding of community.

And in a time when many children have fewer opportunities to connect with nature or experience where their food comes from, this project opened a window into a world of sustainability and care.

“The active participation and enthusiasm we’ve seen has been incredible,” said Mary Salazar. “Students are not only learning science—they’re learning to appreciate the process of growing, sharing, and giving.”

The lessons extended far beyond the harvest. Students who were shy found their voices explaining plant growth to classmates. Budding scientists found inspiration in measuring light cycles and nutrient levels. And everyone found a reason to be grateful—for each other, for their teachers, and for the chance to watch something grow under their care.

Thankful Today, Growing Tomorrow

Perhaps the best part of this project is that the learning doesn’t end when the plants are harvested. The Farmstands are built to last; self-sustaining systems that can be replanted year after year.

Next year’s classes will start with fresh crops, growing lettuce, herbs, and vegetables while learning the same powerful lessons of science and stewardship. The Farmstands will continue to bring hands-on STEM education, teamwork, and sustainability to Poulsbo Elementary for years to come.

This Thanksgiving season, we’re celebrating not just the harvest of food—but the harvest of curiosity, cooperation, and gratitude that grew from this project.

Because sometimes the greatest lessons don’t come from books; they grow from the ground up. 🌱

The Lettuce Grow Farmstand Project is a reminder of what’s possible when teachers dream big, students dig in, and a community believes in the power of education.