If you’ve passed by Sunnyside School recently, you’ve probably noticed something exciting taking root—a brand-new geodesic dome greenhouse! Thanks to the generous support from the Sunnyside Community Association, this impressive structure, 42 feet across, is set to become a hub of growth, learning, and creativity.
Like the school's bright and sunny name, this greenhouse promises to be a place where both plants and young minds can flourish. While the primary focus will be growing fruits, vegetables, and plants, the space will also be a hands-on teaching environment. Principal Mr. VanDyk envisions dry-erase boards for outdoor learning sessions, where students can dive into everything from science experiments to art projects.
The possibilities are as big as the greenhouse itself! Teachers are already planning activities like painting, drawing, and even yoga—though the warmth inside might turn yoga into an impromptu "hot yoga" class! To keep things cool, four solar-powered fans are working hard, and there’s a plan to install a cooling pond to balance out temperatures. Mr. VanDyk knows firsthand how hot it can get, after sweating through a summer's work in the greenhouse!
Though permits are still in the works, the goal is to start planting in the spring, with the potential for year-round growth. Each grade will get their own garden bed, and students will have the freedom to decide what they want to grow—ensuring that Sunnyside is always blooming with fresh ideas and learning experiences.
Sunnyside's Green House
