Elementary school students learn together in the garden established outside of Old Hammondtown School as part of the Grow Education program that was introduced to the school by the nonprofit Marion Institute. (Photo Courtesy Marion Institute)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Old Hammondtown School Principal Stephanie Wells and Rochester Memorial School Principal Heidi Letendre are proud to announce that the nonprofit Marion Institute recently expanded its Grow Education program into both Old Hammondtown School in Mattapoisett and Rochester Memorial School in Rochester.
The Grow Education program, which is serving fourth graders at Old Hammondtown and third graders at Rochester Memorial, is designed to plant knowledge and cultivate community through hands-on, garden-based learning that connects students to the environment and their local food systems.
The program was introduced at Sippican Elementary School in 2023. During the 2024-25 school year, the Grow Education program at Sippican involved 13 garden workshops, 10 classroom lessons, four volunteer sessions, and 863 student experiences.
Through a partnership-driven approach, Grow Education collaborates with school districts, food service departments, and community organizations to create thriving school garden programs that serve as living outdoor classrooms. Each garden becomes a space where students explore earth science, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture through hands-on learning. Teachers receive professional development, access to standards-aligned lesson plans, and ongoing support to integrate these experiences into their core curriculum.
With this expansion, Grow Education now partners with 24 schools across six South Coast districts.
“We’re excited to partner with the Marion Institute’s Grow Education program to bring farm-to-school gardening into our fourth-grade classrooms,” said Mattaposiett School Committee Chairperson Carly Lavin. “I’m deeply impressed by the Marion Institute’s vision and commitment, and grateful to the people of Mattapoisett for supporting this initiative through our Spring 2025 Town Meeting. Together, we’re creating dynamic outdoor classrooms that provide hands-on STEM learning, inspiring students to get curious about where their food comes from and empowering them to make healthy choices for themselves.”
“On behalf of the Rochester School Committee, I want to express my excitement for this new collaboration between the Rochester Memorial School and the Marion Institute’s Grow Education program,” said Rochester School Committee Chairperson Kate Duggan. “Rochester is a proud right-to-farm community with crops and farm stands aplenty, but not every child is able to experience the wonder of planting, nurturing, and harvesting food firsthand. I’m thrilled that our students will not only learn more about where food comes from, but also about plant science, the role our local ecosystem and climate play in plant growth, and how to be good stewards of our natural resources.”
The Grow Education program supports teachers, engages families, and educates students in creating healthier eating and living habits. Together with district leadership, educators and local food system partners, Grow Education works to build a more equitable, sustainable and health-focused future for students and their communities.
“At its heart, Grow Education is about connection — to our food, to the land and to one another,” said Marion Institute Executive Director Liz Wiley. “We’re thrilled to bring this opportunity to students in Mattapoisett and Rochester, helping them understand not only where their food comes from, but how they can be part of building a healthier, more resilient community.”
The Grow Education model goes beyond mere gardening or even the study of botany — it’s a community-building tool that strengthens family engagement and encourages cross-sector collaboration. And it also sparks early interest in STEM and food systems careers. As the program continues to grow, so does its impact on youth leadership, ecological literacy and community resilience throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.
Superintendent Nelson, Principal Wells and Principal Letendre welcomed the expansion of Grow Education at the Old Hammondtown School and Rochester Memorial School.
“The Grow Education program provides our students with a unique opportunity to connect learning with the world around them,” said Principal Wells. “Our new school garden will allow students to see classroom lessons come to life while fostering teamwork, curiosity, and an appreciation for nature.”
“This program represents the best of community partnership and experiential learning,” said Principal Letendre. “It encourages our students to take pride in their school and community while learning lifelong lessons about sustainability and healthy living.”
“By bringing the Grow Education program to Old Hammondtown and Rochester Memorial, we’re giving students the chance to engage with the natural world in a meaningful, educational way,” said Superintendent Nelson. “These outdoor classrooms will help cultivate curiosity, environmental awareness and a lifelong appreciation for healthy living — all while reinforcing what students are learning in the classroom.”
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Elementary school students plant seeds in a garden outside of Old Hammondtown School as part of the Grow Education program that was introduced to the school by the nonprofit Marion Institute. (Photo Courtesy Marion Institute)
Students explore the garden outside Old Hammondtown School as part of the Grow Education program that was introduced to the school by the nonprofit Marion Institute. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Teachers from Old Hammondtown School and Rochester Memorial School visit Box Mill Hall at Frogfoot Farm as part of the Grow Education program that was introduced to the school by the nonprofit Marion Institute. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
From left to right, Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Rochester Memorial School Principal Heidi Letendre and others, including District Facilities Director Gene Jones, Assistant Principal Charles West, Building and Grounds Supervisor Gilly Leonardo, Executive Director of the Marion Institute Liz Wiley and Grow Education program manager Nate Sander. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
The newly revitalized garden beds at Rochester Memorial School are being used as part of outdoor classrooms through the Grow Education program that was introduced to the school by the nonprofit Marion Institute. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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