Northside Elementary and Coulee Montessori Welcome New Greenhouse

On Thursday, May 9, the School District of La Crosse celebrated the opening of a new greenhouse at Northside Elementary School and Coulee Montessori Charter School. Students and teachers gathered to welcome the greenhouse into their school premises. This new greenhouse is home to a variety of houseplants, fruits, vegetable starters, herbs and perennials. Students shared their excitement about having a greenhouse at their school. The addition of the greenhouse will be a great place for community building and bringing a sense of peace. 

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are extremely happy and supportive of the greenhouse at Northside Elementary and Coulee Montessori, as it encourages environmental education for students. The greenhouse project, primarily supported by FSPA affiliate and Director of Affiliation Michael Krueger through sponsoring a ministry grant, reflects FSPA’s mission by addressing environmental and economic concerns in the community.

Michael shares, “Northside and Coulee Montessori elementary schools have the highest poverty levels in the La Crosse School District.” The greenhouse helps support families in need by providing fresh produce. This long-term project can positively impact hundreds of families, teaching students how to grow their produce. 

The greenhouse also teaches servant leadership, giving students opportunities to lead through gardening, organizing successful plant sales and distributing produce within the school and community, shares Michael. 

The greenhouse at Northside Elementary and Coulee Montessori schools is more than a structure; it represents hope and resilience, made possible by community members, the Rotary Club of La Crosse - After Hours and FSPA. It provides fresh food and fosters a sense of community, self-reliance and environmental responsibility among students, families, teachers and community members.

Read more at WXOW News.