This trip, however successful it is, was brought about by the hard work of the students, in particular Izzy.  She has been in contact with Fernwood about visiting and checking out the greenhouse they have, as well as what activities we will do when we are there.

A lot of what we have been doing thus far has been directed toward our end goal of helping to end food deserts in the City of Milwaukee (how we will achieve that is by building a greenhouse, planting vegetation, and bringing that food to local food shelters who help people in food deserts; in addition to providing educational resources to those people about how they can build their own garden).  Some of the great work we have done is listed below:

1. We have finalized our presentation for the school board and gotten feedback from Gev. Broidy and Adon Lippman (Hanna, Maya)

2. We have worked on and completed numerous grants, as well as successfully earning funding for a project to build our first grow-bed (grow-bed designed by Ethan, grant completed by Shira)

3. We have written personalized business letters to numerous potential donors about funding for specific items for our greenhouse (Rebecca, Hannah, Izzy, Maddie)

4. We have developed a detailed budget and list of requirements for our greenhouse (Hannah, Shira, Ethan, Stav)

5. We created virtual and 3D models of our greenhouse so as to provide a more intimate look at what our vision is (Sarah, Phia, Joe)

6. We have worked on our presentation for the Jewish Federation so as to gain approval for construction of our greenhouse (Rebecca, Stav)

7. Research and present on different soil management techniques so as to be sure to have the highest yield possible, while also protecting our environment

This process has been just that, a process.  Most everything of what we have done has been student led and driven.  As I am sure you know, getting 12 teenagers to agree on anything is certainly no small task, but via lots of conversations, discussions, and reflections, we have come to many a consensus and worked together to develop and explain our vision.  The skills these students are developing are difficult to measure at times as well.  How do you measure the collaborative work these students are doing, especially in a situation when you do not always agree and need to put your ego aside?  How do you measure to creativity they are working to develop when thinking of this project and all of the ways we could improve it.

I certainly hope you have some time to ask your child about some of the things we are doing.  There are times when it feels as if we are moving at a glacial pace, but it is needed for all of us to develop the skills and understanding required to move to the next level.  Most certainly if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Noah Kaufman