The River Ridge Learning Center recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the community with a visit to the Waynesboro Educational Farm at Berkley Glenn Elementary School. From the moment students and faculty, Mr. Rider and Mr. J-Mo, arrived, they were greeted by Mr. Blosser and Farmer Jason, who welcomed them with a tour of the farm and an introduction to its sustainable practices. What unfolded was more than a simple field trip, it became a story of respect, accountability, and community building, brought to life through the lessons of the farm and woven into the values that shape our work at River Ridge.
Students quickly learned that participating on a working farm comes with responsibilities. The rules, (don’t eat any of the vegetables without permission, stay off uncovered soil, and no horseplay inside the farm fence), reinforced accountability to oneself and respect for the community space. As students practiced self-control and mindfulness, they embodied our principle of showing respect and dignity for all.
Throughout the tour, students encountered a variety of innovative and sustainable farming practices. They observed the aquaponics system, where tilapia fertilize plants and water is naturally filtered back to the fish tank, and discovered the food forest, where perennial herbs and medicinal plants grow year after year. They explored hoop houses, tasted spicy peppers, and saw how a walk-in cooler was engineered to preserve produce at low cost. These lessons stretched students’ perspectives beyond the farm itself, developing a global understanding of how communities everywhere can grow food responsibly and sustainably.
The farm was also filled with spaces designed for creativity and growth. Students stepped through a gourd tunnel, where they learned how gourds can become instruments, tools, and decorations. They admired a mud oven, built by fourth graders, that can cook for hours after a fire has gone out, and they envisioned the future willow outdoor classroom, which will be shaped from living trees. Each feature emphasized mutual growth and community effort, reminding students that big things are built when people work together.
The visit was not just about observing, it was about participating. Students weeded two garden beds using tools like the wheel hoe and stirrup hoe, practicing accountability and service through their hard work. They also experienced the food cycle firsthand: catching tilapia, preparing vegetables, and working side by side to cook a meal. When the group gathered to share grilled fish and fresh pico de gallo, they enjoyed the satisfaction of their labor and the joy of building something meaningful together.
Equally powerful were the smaller discoveries: a hummingbird darting past, bees pollinating flowers, butterflies fluttering nearby, and even a praying mantis watching over the garden. These moments of wonder fostered personal empowerment and a sense of belonging in the natural world, deepening students’ connection to both place and purpose.
At River Ridge, our mission is to prepare students not only academically but also personally and socially. Our direct instruction model, led by licensed teachers with 48 years of combined experience, ensures that students meet Virginia’s Standards of Learning while building the skills outlined in the Profile of a Graduate. Daily recovery support from our in-house Licensed Professional Counselor and Peer Navigator, along with healing-centered approaches such as restorative justice practices, provide students with opportunities to heal and grow. Community partnerships like the one with the Waynesboro Educational Farm allow us to extend these lessons beyond the classroom, strengthening students’ capacity for service, empowerment, and accountability.
The day at the farm was a vivid reminder of what can be achieved when learning is hands-on, community-centered, and guided by shared values. By the time students returned to River Ridge, they had not only acquired new knowledge about agriculture but also lived out our principles of mutual growth, respect, and positive community building. For that, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Blosser, Farmer Jason, and the Waynesboro Educational Farm for opening their doors and their hearts to our students.
