An Interview with Suzanne T. Cormier

 

Suzanne T. Cormier is a teacher at Lummis Elementary who is also in charge of their garden.

 

Who tends the garden? I am a second grade teacher but I have a sub in my class every Wednesday so that I can do garden lessons in the outdoor classroom with all Lummis students.

 

What do you do with the food you grow? We have a Farmer's Market on Friday mornings after we have harvested.

 

How has having a garden benefitted your school? In so many ways.... students learn so much from just watching the garden. I have done lessons on environments, soil, worms, seeds, roots, insects, etc. It is the best way for students to learn by doing.

 

How long has your garden been open? Since 1995 when the school opened. Our first principal, Rick Watson, was an advocate for children working in an outdoor classroom. I have helped many other teachers keep the garden going through the past 23 years. About 6 years ago, we connected with Green Our Planet, and I helped write a garden curriculum which boosted participation in our garden.

 

Note: Answers may have been edited for clarity.