July 24, 2019 – By Samantha Montana

I am Samantha Montana, a teacher at the Amery Intermediate School. Farm Table has been a great learning resource for AIM (Amery Inquiring Minds). AIM is a project-based learning program for sixty 3rd-5th graders within the Amery Intermediate School. We seek authentic learning experiences for our student community and Farm Table has provided several opportunities to achieve this goal.

Each year our students have been invited to display their projects in Farm Table’s gallery. Farm Table has supported our students’ learning by coordinating visits with local farmers in our community, hosted gallery openings, and shared the expertise of their very talented staff. As a result, our students have had invaluable learning experiences and are so proud to display their art and present their learning at the gallery openings.

We are very excited to once again collaborate with Farm Table as we work together on our next school year’s project focused on teaching the history and culture of food preservation. This year our students will be visiting Farm Table’s commercial kitchen and classroom to learn four different ways to preserve food. Sue Nielsen, Farm Table’s food preservationist, will teach the students and provide hands-on experiences in preserving food for themselves—and to taste and share with our school community. We are thrilled as we have loved Sue’s enthusiasm and passion for this project. We know that our students will be in good hands as she shares her expertise and experience. The project will culminate with an event and opening featuring the AIM students transforming Farm Table’s gallery space into a root cellar. Be sure to check Farm Table’s events page for this gallery opening planned for early 2020.

We have found these projects to be such amazing experiences for our students and love the excitement and enthusiasm they have for participating in these creative learning opportunities. Farm Table is an invaluable resource right within our community. Their beautiful commercial kitchen, welcoming gallery space, and passionate staff has provided our students an authentic and comfortable environment to learn and grow.