Since East Clayton Elementary opened its doors in 1997, students have had the opportunity to explore science through hands-on experiences in an after-school club. Originally founded as a general science club, the group shifted its focus in 2004 to in-ground gardening and was renamed the Green Kids Club.
Through a strong partnership with the local North Carolina State University Extension Master Gardeners, these expert volunteers mentor the Green Kids Club members and lead many of the daily garden activities. They also provide instruction on a wide range of topics, including soil health, composting, pollination, pruning, pest control, seed saving, and sustainable practices. In addition, the Master Gardeners teach lessons on managing invasive species and protecting native habitats.
Teachers Ramona Westbrook, Heather Luczka, and Christina Panteloukas play a key role in supporting the program alongside the Master Gardeners. Together, they help foster a love of nature, science, and sustainability in every student who joins the Green Kids Club.
“The Gardening Club at East Clayton Elementary is thriving, thanks to the support of dedicated Master Gardeners. Through hands-on lessons in soil preparation, weeding, composting, crop rotation, mulching, and more, students are not only growing food but also gaining knowledge and creating lasting memories,” Westbrook said.
Today, the Green Kids Club continues to thrive, engaging 4th- and 5th-grade students in meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Each fall, members begin with lessons on garden layout, tool safety, and protocols before diving into seasonal tasks like bed preparation, mulching, weeding, soil sampling, and planting.
The club’s vegetable garden boasts a wide variety of crops, including collard greens, broccoli, radishes, spinach, carrots, lettuce, kale, potatoes, sugar peas, and cauliflower. In addition, students care for herb gardens and ornamental beds throughout the school grounds.
The 2024–2025 school year brought exciting new additions to the garden. Students created new strawberry beds and planted more than 100 daffodil bulbs in the school's butterfly and caterpillar garden beds, which is an initiative that supports local pollinators and adds vibrant color to the campus.
One of the most anticipated events of the year for the Green Kids Club and East Clayton Elementary is the annual Garden Party, where students celebrate their hard work with a harvest meal featuring fruits and vegetables they’ve grown themselves.
Additionally, students participate in creative projects utilizing natural materials, combining science with art and environmental stewardship. The student volunteers also help to maintain the garden during the summer months. The partnership with the local Master Gardeners has allowed East Clayton Elementary to sustain one of the largest school gardens in North Carolina.
“Their involvement goes far beyond just planting and weeding. Students are cultivating curiosity, responsibility, and, hopefully, a lifelong love of gardening. East Clayton is fortunate to have an in-ground garden that serves as a unique and enriching educational resource,” Westbrook added.