Highlands greenhouse aims to spur collaboration, instill 'humanitarian heart'

Highlands School Director Eli Majocha believes a new outdoor classroom at the high school will help students flourish.

A greenhouse spearheaded last year while Majocha was a high school senior will impact students through hands-on and project-based learning, he said.

“I want these students to be engaged with the lessons they learn,” Majocha said, “and what better way to learn than getting your hands dirty in the greenhouse?”

Ground was broken this week on the $100,000 Highlands Going Green project.

Work is being paid for mostly by grants and private donations, including funding from the state Education Department, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Arconic and Grable foundations.

The cost includes site excavation and utility connections.

Assistant Superintendent Cathleen Cubelic said the hands-on opportunities in agriculture, conservation and sustainability will help students gain practical knowledge and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Chris Reiser, director of buildings and grounds for the district, told the board last week that contractors had delivered the components and would be moving dirt soon.

The greenhouse is expected to be ready by fall for students to study biology, sustainability and earth/space science.

They also will be able to grow their own veggies.

Majocha said community impact was part of the draw, with the greenhouse potentially boosting access to fresh produce for the distressed district.

“Once surplus happens in the garden, my ideal goal is to give it away,” Majocha said. “If that means going to the high-rises, community centers, Salvation Armies or Meals on Wheels, I want these students to benefit by having a humanitarian heart.”

Majocha joined Cubelic and science teacher Matt Sespico to pitch the project last year.

Sespico has said that students will potentially be exposed to a variety of careers, including biochemistry, agricultural economist and plant science.

Programming will align with current courses of science 9, biology, chemical and environmental sustainability, and earth/space science. Additional course and program development will be focused on agriculture, environmental studies and aquaponics, Cubelic said.

“This authentic learning experience will not only enhance their understanding of these critical concepts, but also foster a sense of responsibility toward preserving and caring for our natural resources,” Cubelic said.