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Mossman Market Day Models 'Real World' Farmer's Market
Office of Communications
2425 East Main Street
League City, Texas 77573
Contact: Janice Scott, Assistant Director
(281) 284-0020 or jwscott@ccisd.net
November 26, 2012
MOSSMAN MARKET DAY MODELS ‘REAL WORLD’ FARMER’S MARKET
VIEW PHOTOS from EVENT >>
League City, TX – On a recent Thursday at Education Village in League City, TX, students from Mossman Elementary School set up tables to sell their home grown tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and more. The Farmers Market was designed, led and managed by 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in the Garden Club. “This is incredible for my child, to be able to grow, harvest and then sell their produce. She loves the Garden Club,” said Mary McFarther, parent of Mossman 4th grader Lillianna McFarther.
The Discovery Garden was funded by a $5,000 Clear Creek Education Foundation grant along with a Harris County grant for $25,000. Biotech students at Clear Falls High School (CFHS) started seedlings for the garden. “We determine what the seeds need to grow and then the Mossman students take care of the plants,” explained Clear Falls 11th grader Emily James. The seedlings are grown in a new greenhouse.
Mossman students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade who are in the Garden Club work in the garden every Tuesday and Thursday. Their recent harvest included jalapenos, bell peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and herbs. They also maintain a compost pile. According to Mossman Principal Stephanie McBride, “Our fourth graders took three marketing classes at CFHS, to learn how to market and advertise this new venture and our fifth graders took three business classes and began developing a business plan for the spring Farmers Market.” Libby Smith, a CFHS teacher had her students lead these classes. The students have also planted fruit trees in hopes of branching out with new items to sell next year.
“I just bought some vegetables and watched the students use mental math strategies to count my change correctly,” said Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Holly Hughes. The students aren’t the only ones digging in at Mossman, the teachers who make up the Discovery Garden cadre work early mornings and in the evening after school.