On June 5, 2025, the three Windsor Elementary School 4-H clubs came together with students, families, and partners from Broome County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to celebrate a year of hands-on learning, creativity, and community connection through the 4-H Afterschool program.
4-H is a national organization committed to helping young people gain valuable life skills through experiential learning. Its mission is to empower children and teens to explore their interests, build confidence, and engage with their communities — all while having fun.
“At Windsor, our 4-H Afterschool program provides a unique opportunity for students and school faculty to collaborate with innovative CCE educators, local professionals, and community members. Together, we bring enriching experiences in STEM, healthy living, and vocational skills to our students in a dynamic and supportive environment,” said Weeks Elementary school counselor Nina Muto.
In October, Windsor 4-H kicked off with team-building games to help students get to know each other. November brought lessons in plant life cycles — from pine trees to pumpkins — along with hands-on crafts, including pumpkin pie in a bag. The group also explored sustainability through upcycling, turning old T-shirts into no-sew shopping bags.
In December, students crafted evergreen decorations and woodland animals from paper, while learning about energy, force, and motion through Miss Sara’s “Hot Wheels Speedometry” activity. January focused on supporting local wildlife, as students made pinecone bird feeders to help their feathered friends during the winter months.
February and March highlighted the importance of communication, as students prepared and delivered public presentations, building confidence and public speaking skills.
In the spring, students gardened with grow towers and made Rice Krispies treats from scratch. One of the highlights of the year was learning about rabbit care and meeting Miss Sara’s show rabbits, including a few newborns.
“It has been a joy to watch our 4-H members grow, support one another, and take pride in their achievements. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the families, volunteers, educators, and community partners who helped make this year such a success,” said Muto.