Lessons in Aquaponics and Sustainable Living

They are doing great things at Santa Fe South charter schools in Oklahoma City. The system of charter schools serves students and families from earlychild to graduation and includes alternative schools. The school boasts some incredible programs including an expansive fine arts program and agriculture education. Many times schools of this caliber are found in privileged communities, but Santa Fe South serves a 95% minority population where 93% of the student body receives free and reduced-price lunch. Together with great community partners this school is preparing and educating students using all the tools at their disposal. Their agriculture education program includes hands-on activities at an on-site farm where students raise chickens, grow and care for plants, and learn how to prepare their harvest for meals. The staff agronomist in conjunction with science teachers and local volunteers work to provide a wholistic curriculum including lessons in environmental science, sustainability, horticulture, and beyond.

We are proud to provide an aquaponic system as a small part of their program. It is passionate and dedicated people like teacher, Seth Stallings, Josh Campbell from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (and the Oklahoma State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture), and the staff at Earth Rebirth, that make the work we do come alive in our communities. Even when classes are dismissed for the day, the lessons they teach go beyond any classroom. Thanks for including us in your mission to make a difference.