Outdoor Learning Classroom

Our fourth graders had an incredible opportunity to meet Chef Charleen and cook alongside her! A huge thank you to Mrs. Fogleman for bringing the @bluewatermelon opportunity to our students.

All five fourth grade classes worked together to make Chef Trevor Routman’s Kohlrabi & Green Apple Salad. What an amazing experience for our students as they explored healthy choices, teamwork, and creativity through cooking!

We’re so grateful for experiences like this that bring learning to life!

Big Congratulations to Lila Pattee! Lila has been named the Arizona state winner for the 2025 Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program! This prestigious honor includes a $1,000 scholarship, awarded to one outstanding 3rd grade gardener in each participating state. After a season of nurturing, planting, and harvesting, Lila’s cabbage stood out for its impressive size and appearance.

A huge thank-you to Mrs. Fogleman for bringing this program to Rice and inspiring our students to grow these OS (oversized) cabbages, which can reach up to 75 pounds!

Current 3rd graders—get ready! Your cabbages go home this week, and you will have the chance to compete for the 2026 scholarship

Our Rice rhinos have been getting their hands dirty and loving every minute of it. Students have been busy building irrigation systems and carving out rainwater pathways to keep our veggies happy and hydrated. From planting to harvesting, every step is a team effort — and the reward? Fresh salad parties straight from the garden!

Here’s to growing food, growing community, and growing joy. farming_the_future