Local farmers Al and Mary Jacob recently were awarded a $5,000 America's Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by the Bayer Fund. They directed the donation to Marthasville Elementary, who will use the donation to maintain and enhance its Minds and Hearts Grow Here Garden.
The Hearts and Minds Grow Here Garden is Marthasville’s school garden that provides students the benefits of having an outdoor learning space. The garden goes beyond traditional outdoor classrooms because it’s a vehicle of instruction for both academics and the school’s character education values. The learning comes to life when each student has a specific role and responsibility based on their grade level. Outside of school hours, many students come up after school to tend to the garden and the surrounding areas.
Al and Mary Jacob are the grandparents of Marthasville Elementary students Jacob Rinne (fourth grade) and Hannah Rinne (first grade).
“It's wonderful that through one of our families, we received a $5,000 donation to continue to maintain and enhance our outdoor garden,” said Robyn Busekrus, counselor at Marthasville Elementary. Mary reached out to us last spring and shared that through Bayer, they have an opportunity every so often to receive this donation through farming. In year's past, they have donated the funds to a local food pantry. Due to Mary and Al's grandkids attending our school and knowing the impact our garden has on our school community is why they chose for the donation to go to Marthasville Elementary. We will use the funds to enhance and maintain the garden. We will also be incorporating a STEM component into our garden area.”
Since 2010, nearly $65 million has been donated through the America's Farmers programs to thousands of organizations across rural America.
“Our school garden has raised garden beds for vegetables, a wildflower area, insect habitat house, an herb garden and a bird habitat area,” Busekrus said. “The garden is creating a profound impact on our students. Our students not only learn specific lessons about being responsible, but the garden has helped amplify their learning by allowing students to experience the benefits of being responsible.
“Responsibility has been taught, fostered, and is now a way of being. It is from their generous spirit, ownership and work ethic that has enabled them to take pride in our garden.”
Donation Directed to Marthasville Elementary
Marthasville Elementary received a $5,000 donation from local farmers Al and Mary Jacob, through the Bayer Fund, which will be used to maintain the school’s Hearts and Minds Grow Here Garden. Holding the check, from left, are the grandchildren of Al and Mary Jacob, and Marthasville Elementary students Hannah Rinne and Jacob Rinne. Back row, from left, are Marthasville Elementary Counselor Robyn Busekrus, Marthasville Elementary Principal Kristen Daffron, School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart, Marthasville Elementary STEM teacher Molly Hanify and Mary Jacob, who made the donation.
