Teachers and students found a peaceful way to return to the classroom after a year of study from home.
CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Thursday marked the second orientation day at a San Diego County high school where teachers and students found a peaceful way to return to the classroom after a year of study from home.
The Chula Vista High School students were back on the school grounds. But instead of sitting at a desk, they worked in the garden.
“It’s an empty lot that we’ve turned into an organic garden,” said Maria Gallaher, class teacher for social justice and nutrition.
She leads the 90-minute college credit elective outside in the garden, where students grow soil, compost, and plant fruits and vegetables.
“Students have been sitting in front of a screen for over a year [with] not much social interaction and they say they are afraid to come back. We want to create a place that is stress-free, ”said Gallaher.
“I love the garden. I’ve felt much happier since COVID and so much. I’m inside a lot, I’m just never outside. I was just relieved and no longer sad. It’s the first time I’ve felt happy in two Years or so, “said Evalina Moreno, a student at Chula Vista High School.
The garden has been around for six years and the course is so popular that there are now five courses on offer.
“I would recommend this to students who are stressed out or for personal reasons. It’s very relaxing, ”said Ingrid Delgado, a student at Chula Vista High School.
“I was tense and it was like a heavy weight was being taken off my shoulders and it will be especially good for other students who may need it in the future,” said Kevin Gonzalez, sophomore of Chula Vista High School.
Students also have an Instagram page where students post pictures of student activities and the beautiful garden.
