May 4, 2026
Students at N.B. Clements Junior High School are digging into hands-on learning in a meaningful way, building garden beds that will soon produce a variety of plants and vegetables for their school community.
As the spring season settles in across Prince George County, biology students and members of the school’s science club came together to create garden beds that will host pollinator, sensory, flower, herb, and vegetable gardens. This outdoor learning and growing space is designed to help students build stronger relationships, develop healthy ways to manage stress, and cultivate positive behaviors through teamwork, responsibility, and shared success.
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Alongside the practical, hands-on learning experiences students will have in the new garden space, learning about biology, plants, and developing lifelong skills, the area also serves as an inclusive and welcoming space where students feel connected, valued, and inspired to participate. It can foster pride, increase environmental awareness, and encourage patience.
“Each of the beds represents more than plants; it reflects our commitment to grow a community rooted in awareness, consideration, and symbiosis,” Ms. Altamarie Woods, N.B. Clements Junior High School biology teacher, shared. “Together, we are cultivating a place where minds, friendships, and futures can grow.”
In addition, on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, students from Ms. Woods' honors biology classes served as teachers for the day. The student-led mini lessons were directly aligned with relevant Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), reinforcing key concepts in biology, environmental science, Earth science, and scientific investigation.
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Through hands-on instruction, students helped others grow their understanding of ecosystems, vermicomposting, plant systems, sustainability, and the interdependence of living things. Teachers, students, and student-teachers were engaged in sharing ways to protect and preserve the Earth. It was an enjoyable and celebratory day for all involved.
Special thanks to the faculty, staff, and students at NBC who have helped with the gardening project; Mrs. Pino (N.B. Clements JHS Parent-Teacher Organization president); Chris Underhill (PG Parks and Recreation); and Heretick Feed & Seed Co. (Hopewell).