It’s The Great Pumpkin, Waynewood!

Every autumn, the spirit of the pumpkin patch comes alive at Waynewood Elementary School, where our kindergarten students at Waynewood are in the magical world of pumpkins. The Waynewood Pumpkin Patch is not just any patch; it’s a living classroom where students immerse themselves in the captivating life cycle of pumpkins, from seed to fruit.   

A Seasonal Adventure:

Our pumpkin patch offers an immersive experience, allowing our kindergarten students to explore the stages of a pumpkin's life cycle. Here's a glimpse of what they get to do:

• Observing Fully Grown Pumpkins: From tiny seeds to massive pumpkins, our students observe the complete growth process of these marvelous gourds.
• Witnessing Decomposition: In the circle of life, decomposition plays a significant role. Our students get to observe the natural decay of pumpkins, a valuable lesson in sustainability and the interconnectedness of all living things.
• Growing Future Pumpkins: With seeds collected from the patch, we ensure that the tradition continues. These seeds are used to grow new pumpkins that our kindergarten students can enjoy in the years to come.

Roots in Education:

The roots of our pumpkin patch go back to Fall 2019 when we were fortunate to secure a Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Grant with the help of the PTA committee for Supporting Education through Enviornmental Discovery (SEEDS).  This grant program was established to support schools and organizations with a shared goal—connecting students to the sources of their food, often through school gardens. The grant funds were instrumental in making this project a reality.

Supporting Local Agriculture:

We are proud to initially source our pumpkins locally, and Wegmeyer Farm in Hamilton, Virginia, has been our trusted partner in this endeavor. By supporting local agriculture, we not only provide our students with high-quality heirloom pumpkins but also contribute to the sustainability of our community.

A Sustainable Twist:

Last fall, we took an innovative approach to strengthen our project. We reached out to the Waynewood ES Garden Club members, who brought in their old pumpkins. These pumpkins were left to decompose in the pumpkin patch area, resulting in a fertile bed of seeds. From these seeds, our incredible patch has flourished.

A Commitment to Education and Sustainability:

The Waynewood Pumpkin Patch Project is a testament to our dedication to providing a rich and educational experience for our Kindergarten students. It embodies our commitment to supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainability. As we continue to nurture the minds and hearts of our students, we invite you to join us in celebrating the magic of the pumpkin patch.

Thank you to the Waynewood PTA and the SEEDS program for being a part of this incredible journey and for supporting our mission to provide an enriching and sustainable learning experience for our youngest learners.