Cultivating Connections
The AgriQuest Farm-to-School program at the Greater Johnstown School District educates children about where their food comes from while also supporting local farms. Fulton County, just south of the Adirondack Park, is a distinctive environment for maple sugar production, featuring an ideal climate for sap collection and an abundance of sugar maple trees.
Ellen Roehl, the GJSD AgriQuest Farm-to-School department leader, teamed up with the Warren Street activity coordinators — school nurse Karen McClelland and fourth-grade teacher Caroline Wagner — to make maple snow cones. They delivered the refreshing treats to every student and staff member at Warren Street.
The AgriQuest coordinators provided educators with resources to incorporate lessons and activities centered on maple sugaring at Warren Street Elementary. Some teachers used grade-level videos and activity sheets from the Cornell Maple Research & Extension program. Through this hands-on agricultural education, students explored the production and skills it takes to make syrup while enjoying tempting taste tests.
The mission statement of AgriQuest emphasizes growing skills that nourish a thriving future through authentic learning, fostering connections between the classroom, cafeteria, and community, while cultivating career pathways.
The maple syrup used for this endeavor was generously donated by Knox Middle School Principal Nicole Panton. For Mrs. Panton and her family, producing maple syrup from the trees on their property is a cherished hobby.
“I was absolutely thrilled to help out and give the students a chance to try real, locally made maple syrup. For me, the best part was knowing the students were told the syrup came from their future principal at Knox. I’ve already received so many wonderful messages from them, and I really hope this sweet treat marks the beginning of a great connection with all of my incoming 5th graders,” Mrs. Panton said.
