Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School is set to grow, and not in terms of building space.
The Laurel school will use a grant recently received from the state teachers union to start a school garden.
The Maryland State Education Association is funding dozens of micro-grants this year to celebrate its 150th anniversary of supporting teachers across the state and to offer educators the opportunity to improve their communities through service projects. Each grant is worth up to $500.
In the new garden, which will be located in the middle school's atrium, students will get their hands dirty planning, planting and maintaining and harvesting vegetables. School officials hope the new garden will promote healthy eating habits.
The educational intent of the project is to connect student learning to Common Core skills in math and science, and to allow students to practice leadership skills and receive service learning hours.
Students in Maryland must complete 75 community service hours before graduating high school.