2020-2021 Annual Report

Island Schoolers contributed their muscle, intellect and heart as active citizens of our community and our planet.

The Island School began a partnership with Friends of the Farms a few months prior to the start of the pandemic. Our learning centered on the Bainbridge Island Native Food Forest, a publicly-owned former tree farm practically in the school’s backyard. When school began fully outdoors in the fall of 2020, the timing was perfect to learn there together.

Friends of the Farms staff shared the history of the land and the plants with the children. The students assisted with removing invasive species such as English ivy, Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberries. They planted native species of Osoberry, cascara, and Evergreen Huckleberry.

Kids and teachers visited the forest regularly. They wrote poetry, reflected in journals, made observations and collected data about the native species. “The food forest became a classroom away from our classroom where we loved playing, exploring and learning together in nature,” said teacher Shannon Boss.

The children’s curiosity and creativity led them to publish an online field guide about the native birds, insects and plants who live in the Food Forest. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade contributed illustrations as well as detailed descriptions of the plants and animals. Now any visitor can access the online field guide whenever they explore the Food Forest.

“What a delight it has been to work with these students and their teachers! Bright, inquisitive minds powered by care and supported by one another - a perfect learning environment that swept me into their circle of sharing,” said Becca Hanson, Friends of the Farms Board Chair.

The Food Forest held surprises too. One student remarked, “One of my favorite memories of The Island School is when we saw the barred owl in the Food Forest. That is one of my favorite memories because I love all animals. I also liked it because no one expected it.”

Preparing and publishing the field guide boosted students’ resourcefulness, creativity and care for the environment. They learned how to partner with another organization to develop solutions for real-world problems. At the Island School we have all made a years-long commitment to improving this habitat.