Here at Poland, we have many pieces of enriched history to be proud of, and now thanks to Mrs. Debbie Smith, science teacher, we can add another one. The greenhouse has always been a topic of conversation for the high school. Many students over the years have been shocked at the fact that we do not have a greenhouse, many students recalling the greenhouse that was installed at the Union Elementary Building;  thankfully Mrs. Smith was able to make it happen at the high school, and the inauguration of the greenhouse took place on Friday, October 27.

We had the honor to speak with Mrs. Smith, and we questioned her about why she wanted this greenhouse to be built.

Mrs. Smith said, “The greenhouse is to serve the students and hopefully, they will develop an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Growing plants from seed, taking care of plants, nurturing, coddling, having something they can grow a vegetable or fruit they can eat and then they can learn without going to a grocery store and buying it.”

Mrs. Smith is not only looking out for her students’ best interests, she also wants the best for the plants that the students are caring for.

Some people questioned the usefulness of said greenhouse, some saying its only an investment that one or two botany classes will get to enjoy.

Mrs. Smith disagreed when we asked her about what classes will get to use the greenhouse.

She said,“All of my classes, so Chemistry, Geology, and Botany.”

A greenhouse for all, the classes will obtain hands on experience in these classes.

Senior Danny Nittoli shared his general thoughts about the greenhouse improving the quality of the classroom but also the health of the plants.

“The greenhouse enables us to care for our plants in a better manner. Instead of having plants under a light in the chemistry laboratory, they can receive natural sunlight from the open sky; the plants will be healthier with the sunlight. We will also be able to use fertilizer out in the greenhouse,” said Nittoli.

Coming from a student who cares not only about their academics but also about the health of the plants, the greenhouse merits high praise.

When it comes to the funding of the greenhouse, many people were wondering where the money came from.

Mrs. Smith was quick with an answer, “The Poland Foundation funded it. I only requested partial funding, anything they can provide because they typically only give $300-500 out, but they gave me the full $5000.”

It was very generous of the The Poland Foundation to give the funding to increase the students education.

We questioned Mrs. Smith about the care takers of the plants and greenhouse in general.

Mrs. Smith said, “Well, when the students aren’t in class, I’ll be making sure everything is taken care of, whether its a holiday break, during summer, if the grass has to be cut or the weeds need to be pulled. When the students are in session they’ll tend to their plants, but when they’re outside the classroom, of course, I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”

The students being responsible for their plants while school is in session will give the students a big reason to take care of the green house and is a wonderful way for the students to learn.

Finally, we inquired about the location and size of the greenhouse, in case students ever wanted to visit and take a look for themselves.

The location is “right behind the cafeteria,[and it’s] 10×20 feet.”

The greenhouse overall is a great way to have students get a more hands on approach to learning and is a sure fire way to spark much interest in the classroom.