We are excited to begin utilizing the new greenhouse at MHS this year! This semester, two sections of Plant Developmental Science are underway, with another course beginning in January. While the class counts as a science credit, students are drawing on skills from across the curriculum to bring this program to life.
The vision for the greenhouse grew out of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education, which emphasizes problem solving, critical thinking, and the development of marketable skills in today’s competitive job market.
In 2018, MHS acquired a FarmBot—a robotic system designed to grow healthy food. Much like a CNC machine, the FarmBot is a precise tool—only, this one can be programmed to water and feed beneficial plants while removing unwanted weeds.
In 2022, State Farm announced its annual Neighborhood Assist grant contest, and Montcalm High saw an opportunity to provide a shelter for the FarmBot. Our school placed in the top 200 contestants nationwide, and after community voting, the greenhouse project finished at #2! With the winnings from the contest, the school chose the largest greenhouse we could budget, with the goal of growing more than just what the FarmBot could handle. The greenhouse has lots of space, so the students will also be growing plants in a more traditional manner—planting, watering, and weeding by hand.
With the new greenhouse built, students and teachers are eager to grow fresh, healthy food that are often difficult to access in our community. Many families who live more than five miles from a grocery store rely on pre-packaged or processed foods due to their long shelf life. This project provides an opportunity to bring more fresh greens to the table while also equipping students with lifelong skills.
At Montcalm High, we believe every student should graduate with practical knowledge to carry into daily life. Learning how to grow food fosters both self-reliance and sustainability—essential skills that are not often taught explicitly. This year, the greenhouse will help us teach both.