Our school services approximately 650 children from ages 4 -14. We are a public school of choice for students in grades Pre-K -8th. This means that we do not have a zoned student population. There are over 40 different languages spoken by the families of our students.
Our school is located in a major city and amongst neighborhoods and apartment complexes.
So, our students' home experiences are varied. We are a Title I school which means that at least 80% of our student population receives free or reduced lunch. Our student population encompasses all, from the differently-abled to the Gifted and Talented.
My Project
BCS Farm center began in August 2014. It was designed to allow our students, ranging from the differently-abled to 8th grade gain real-life interaction and experience with farm animals. We felt that the children were offered many virtual opportunities to farm, and would benefit from the analog experience. We have 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats, 3 Pygmy goats, bunnies of various breeds, chickens, and ducks that reside on our little farm. Our special needs population have developed a trust in animals since their interactions began. Our youngest population learn to be kind, empathetic, and respectful to things that are smaller than themselves. Our mid-age population work to gain not only a better understanding of life cycles and an organism’s needs for survival but man’s role and responsibilities as stewards of the animals in our care. The middle school students choose, as an elective, to help care for the animals on the farm. During this elective, they are posed with opportunities to think critically about problems facing the animals and solutions for said problems.
Given the lack of materials, we have not been able to secure fencing and housing for the expanding populations.
During Harvey wild dogs, entered the fence perimeter and killed some of the rabbits and a nanny goat plus injuring her kid.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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