On September 25, 2025, the power of partnership and experiential learning was on full display as ORR district teachers and administrators joined the Marion Institute at Frogfoot Farm for a professional development day focused on the Grow Education program. This year, Rochester Memorial and Old Hammondtown School became the newest schools to join the initiative, while Sippican School in Marion has been successfully integrating Grow Education into its curriculum since the 2023–2024 school year.
Throughout the day, participants gained insight into the curriculum and philosophy behind Grow Education, which brings hands-on, farm-to-school learning into classrooms. By connecting students directly with food, soil, and sustainable practices, the program fosters academic engagement, food literacy, and healthier school communities.
Educators experienced the program firsthand — working in the soil at Frogfoot Farm, harvesting 130 lbs of carrots and 25 lbs of basil to donate to a local food pantry. This activity not only supported the community but also modeled the type of real-world impact that students will experience through Grow Education.
The day also included a locally sourced meal prepared by chef Chris Cronin, featuring tomatoes with goddess dressing, roasted eggplant with tahini herb sauce, smoked tautog fish, and burgers — all sourced within a 240-mile radius. This meal underscored the value of connecting our food system to local resources, a key element of the Grow Education mission.
Together, the ORR community and the Marion Institute are building stronger connections between education, wellness, and local agriculture — creating meaningful learning experiences that will continue to benefit students and families.
Learn more about the Marion Institute’s Grow Education program here: marioninstitute.org/programs/grow-education
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