North Star Elementary may have a vegetable and flower garden for students soon. Tyler Pearson, a fifth grade teacher at the school, and Lindsey Carlson, a Knoxville High School english teacher, have been working on a project to bring gardens and outdoor classroom space to the district.

The first part of the plan would plant U-shaped, vertical and rectangular gardens between two wings of the school. Students have been involved in every step of the process and will do most of the work in caring for and planning the garden. Pearson tells KNIA/KRLS news he is excited about the opportunities for STEM learning that the garden will offer the students. The garden project has secured funding from the Pella Rolscreen Foundation Grant, local FFA chapters, and Iowa State Savings Bank. Future plans include adding gardens at other Knoxville Community School buildings. The maintenance staff have volunteered to construct the garden beds.