ALTON — Even though the school year doesn't normally coincide with the usual Illinois growing season, fourth-graders at Ss. Peter and Paul School in Alton still learn about agriculture from autumn to spring.
"Our fourth-graders take part in 'Land of Illinois,' a program sponsored by Madison County CAREE, which stands for Conservation, Ag Resources, Environmental Education," says Harry Cavanaugh, principal at Ss. Peter and Paul. "It is a program offered through Madison County to fourth-grade classrooms throughout the county. We have been participating in the program since its inception 15 years ago."
Every other month for eight months, a representative from Madison County comes to the school to present a lesson about agriculture. Students have been learning why Illinois has rich soil that allows farmers to raise a variety of crops.
"They were taught about the three major crops, when they are planted and harvested and the machinery used for each process," says Cavanaugh. "They also learned about the different products that come from these crops."
Future lessons will explain about what animals are being raised in Illinois and what products are derived from them. "The final lesson is always on technology and how it benefits the farmers," Cavanaugh says.
"My kids love this program," says fourth-grade teacher Jennifer Robert. "They really look forward to it." During each lesson the students are able to apply what they learned in social studies. After each presentation, an activity is given that enforces what has been taught.
As a principal, Cavanaugh says he believes in expanding children's education — and if that extra education comes as a result of a grant, well its worth looking into. In addition to the CAREE program, Ss. Peter and Paul also offers art classes through the Jacoby Arts Center and takes students who are kindergarten through fourth grade to the St. Louis City Museum with grants they receive through Target.
"Our school has limited financial resources, so we need to take advantage of all of the grant programs we can in order to give our students exposure to all aspects of life," Cavanaugh says.