KINGWOOD — Some Preston County students will cultivate a little Italian flavor, thanks to an upcoming online gardening program.
The creative basil growing program will be held online at the ASE Virtual Hub on the TEAMS app from 4-6 p.m. beginning Jan. 25.
“At the end of the project the students will have gained reading and math skills through this citizen science experience,” Cindy Strahin, an After School Explorers (ASE) instructor, said. “This gardening program is ideal for any student in grades K-12.”
Another instructor, Meghan Hartwell, will help with harvesting the basil and the taste-testing.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac basil is a warm-weather, fragrant herb that tastes great in many dishes — including homemade pesto.
“Students will receive gardening kits prepared by ASE Instructor Cindy Strahin to grow basil at home,” ASE Program Director Susie Huggins said.
She said this is the only children’s virtual gardening program in the area where the child gets to plant, grow, care for and harvest their own basil.
“Space is limited for this creative growing program, so be sure to sign up early,” Strahin said.
ASE receives funding for the 10 21st Century Community Learning Centers across Preston County.
The grant is provided wholly or in part by a grant from the United States Department of Education under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title IV Part B, with grant administration carried out by the West Virginia Department of Education.
For more information on signing up contact Susie Huggins at sahuggin@k12.wv.us or 304-288-5244. Follow After School Explorers on Facebook @ PRESTON READS.
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