CCEF Fuels 8th Grade Hydroponics Initiative with Transformative Grant

Berryville, VA, November 20, 2024- The Clarke County Education Foundation is proud to announce its support of an innovative, cross-curricular project at Johnson-Williams Middle School written by Jaclyn Crouse – 8th grade English teacher – English and 8th grade lead and designed to immerse 8th-grade students in the exciting world of hydroponics. This transformative grant empowers educators to integrate science, civics, economics, mathematics, and agriculture into a year-long initiative that culminates in the hands-on creation of a school hydroponic station.

At the heart of the project is the goal of engaging students in real-world learning. The grant will ensure all 8th-grade students have access to Among the Hidden, a novel that serves as a springboard to explore the science and sustainability of hydroponics. Through connections between fiction and nonfiction texts, students will hone critical reading, comprehension, and analytical skills.

Beyond the classroom, the project enables students to conduct two lab experiments analyzing how soil types and water pH levels influence plant growth. Some students will also visit a local hydroponics farm in Purcellville, VA, Prime Hydroponic. These hands-on experiences will lay the groundwork for a grade-wide hydroponic competition, where student teams will design and build their own hydroponic systems. The winning team will even collaborate with experts from Prime Hydroponic to bring their vision to life.

The initiative will culminate in a dedicated “Hydroponics Day,” in early Spring, featuring a keynote presentation from Prime Hydroponic and interactive breakout sessions. Students will roll up their sleeves to prepare seed pods, set up an indoor hydroponic tent, and build Dutch watering systems to grow their own vegetables. This immersive day will serve as the crowning achievement of a project that connects classroom learning to real-world applications.

“This grant represents our commitment to empowering students with 21st-century skills and knowledge while sparking curiosity and innovation,” said Beth Williams, Executive Director from the Clarke County Education Foundation. “By linking multiple subjects and exposing students to potential careers in sustainable agriculture and STEM fields, we hope to inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.”

The Hydroponics Initiative is designed to align with Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs) and provide measurable outcomes, from improved test scores to the successful construction of hydroponic systems. It also fosters collaboration among teachers and students, demonstrating the power of cross-curricular learning to deepen engagement and understanding.

The Clarke County Education Foundation remains dedicated to supporting impactful projects like this one, which combine academic excellence with practical, future-focused learning. For more information about the Hydroponics Initiative or how you can support similar projects, visit www.ccefinc.org.

The Clarke County Education Foundation, established in 1991, is an independent public charity dedicated to promoting, expanding, and augmenting the educational opportunities for students and staff in the Clarke County Public Schools, by generating private support and involvement to enhance these publicly-maintained services. The CCEF has provided more than $3.5 million in student scholarships, teacher grants, system demonstration grants, and donor-defined projects through a combination of fund-raising and endowment income since its inception.