DE SMET — Kindergarten through fifth grade students at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal School in De Smet are engaging in hands-on learning in the school greenhouse.

Students have worked on building their green thumbs by planting pumpkins, sunflowers, geraniums and a variety of vegetables. They've also been arranging hanging baskets, under the supervision of assistant teacher Abdul Samad.

Samad said he hopes to have children connect their experience to the science of horticulture, but also to make connections to where their food comes from and the discipline it takes to grow it.

First grader Caspian Paul said he loves planting and can’t wait to see his flower bloom. First grader Sage Gorr was rolling with excitement while planting geraniums.

“Mr. S, this is the best thing I have ever done!” Sage said.

Teachers and students will share the responsibility of watering and cultivating the plants and flowers in the greenhouse. When spring arrives, geraniums will be sent home to families and the vegetables and flowers will be donated to family gardens.

    Students from the Coeur d'Alene Tribal School in De Smet have been keeping busy planting in the school's greenhouse.
  

    Coeur d'Alene Tribal School first grader Caspian Paul enjoys planting at the school's greenhouse in late February. Teachers and students will share the responsibility of watering and cultivating the plants in the greenhouse. Come spring, geraniums will be sent home to families and the vegetables and flowers will be donated to family gardens.