The Award-Winning School Farm That Uses 95% Less Water

How One Principal Transformed Student Nutrition & STEM Learning Through Vertical Farming

Discover how (former) Principal David Friedrich revolutionized his elementary school through innovative vertical farming and farm-to-school programs. In this inspiring conversation, learn how Hopewell Elementary School secured $25,000 in grants to build a customized vertical farm that's 2-3 times larger than Princeton University's model!

What You'll Learn:
✅ How vertical farming brings Next-Generation Science Standards to life
✅ Innovative teaching strategies that integrate STEM across all grade levels
✅ How to transform school culture through nutrition and hands-on learning
✅ Professional development approaches that don't overwhelm teachers
✅ Building parent involvement through cooking classes and community events
✅ School leadership strategies for securing grants and community partnerships
✅ Creating inclusive teaching environments that serve the whole child

This farm-to-school program uses 95% less water than traditional farming while growing fresh herbs, vegetables, and strawberries that students help cultivate and then enjoy in their cafeteria. From preschool through 5th grade, every student participates in hands-on STEM learning that connects to real-world applications.

Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, instructional leaders, school counselors, and anyone interested in education transformation, school improvement, and student success.

Featured Topics: student engagement, active learning, instructional strategies, innovative teaching, school leadership, parent communication, family partnerships, education at home, inspiring students, empowered educators, teacher impact, and creating thriving students through experiential learning.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Friedrich & Hopewell Elementary
02:59 What is the Vertical Farming Initiative?
05:09 Why "Vertical" Farming? The Science Behind It
05:58 How Students Access the Program (Pre-K through 5th Grade)
06:37 Top Tomato Award & Farm-to-School Recognition
07:24 From Classroom to Cafeteria: The Implementation Journey
09:22 Impact of COVID & Current Status
10:16 Virtual Cooking Classes During the Pandemic
11:22 Top Chef Enrichment Program
12:39 Cross-Curricular Impact on Literacy & Math
13:25 Future Plans & Expansion
15:24 Community Events: Farm-to-School Day & Parent Lunch
16:39 Community Partnerships & Giving Back
18:00 The Power of Relationships in Education

• Vertical farming project partners with school (2016)
• Hopewell Elementary School Awarded $10,000 STEM/Sustainability Grant for Vertical Gardening Initiative (2018)
• President Biden Honors 117 Individuals and Organizations with Highest U.S. Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers and Mentors (2022)
• GFP Graduate, Helen Corveleyn, Awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (2022)

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.