CODY — Valley Elementary, a rural one-room school located 35 miles south of Cody, has been awarded a mini-grant from Rooted in Wyoming, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting communities through local food.

The grant will fund essential materials for the school's greenhouse project, including soil, seeds, pots, and a small cold frame which will enable students to start growing root crops and peas.

“Our school greenhouse offers a unique, hands-on experience for students to actively participate and learn valuable lessons about plant growth and sustainability,” said Michelle Dean, teacher at Valley Elementary. “This grant will allow us to continue and expand this program, providing our students with the tools they need to apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.”

The greenhouse project has been a cornerstone of Valley Elementary’s curriculum. Students grow starter vegetable plants and sell them to the community, using the proceeds to buy more supplies and fund outdoor learning experiences. Research shows that students involved in garden-based learning outperform their peers academically, developing a deeper understanding of subjects like math and science.

The success of the greenhouse project is a community effort, with parents volunteering to transport plants and chaperone students at the local Farmers’ Market. The funds raised are essential in maintaining the greenhouse and supporting educational field trips.

Rooted in Wyoming’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of Valley Elementary’s greenhouse project, highlighting the importance of community engagement in fostering educational opportunities and promoting sustainable practices. Contributions to support Rooted in Wyoming can be made online through the WyoGives Fundraiser, taking place Wednesday, July 10, or through rootedinwyoming.org.