Shrub Oak International School celebrated National Farmers Market Week by hosting a special Little Oak Farm Market event on the Shrub Oak farm that highlighted the hard work of students and staff while bringing the campus community together to experience the school’s thriving farm program. The event welcomed staff to the farm for an afternoon filled with fresh produce, flowers, refreshments, and opportunities to connect with the animals that have become an important part of campus life.
Visitors were invited to “pick their own” vegetables, herbs, fruit, and farm-fresh eggs. The market reflected months of planning, planting, and care from the farm team and students, who worked together throughout the growing season to cultivate healthy crops and maintain the gardens. The abundance of fresh produce showcased the success of the school’s agricultural programming while giving staff the opportunity to enjoy the harvest firsthand.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the opportunity to visit the farm animals. Staff members spent time meeting and interacting with the animals that students help care for each day, providing a closer look at the daily responsibilities involved in maintaining the farm. These experiences demonstrated how the farm serves as more than a place to grow food—it also provides meaningful opportunities for students to develop responsibility, build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and participate in hands-on learning activities in a supportive environment.
The event also featured custom wildflower bouquets, with staff placing orders for beautifully arranged flowers grown on campus. The colorful bouquets represented another aspect of the farm’s expanding offerings and highlighted the diversity of plants cultivated throughout the season. Growing flowers alongside fruits, vegetables, and herbs provided additional opportunities for students to participate in planting, harvesting, and preparing products for the market while learning valuable vocational and horticultural skills.
Adding to the welcoming atmosphere, lemonade and snacks were available for all staff to enjoy during their visit. The refreshments encouraged employees to slow down, spend time outdoors, and celebrate the accomplishments of the farm program together. The relaxed setting created opportunities for conversation, appreciation, and recognition of the dedication that goes into maintaining the gardens, caring for the animals, and preparing market products throughout the year.
National Farmers Market Week provided an ideal opportunity to recognize the value of local agriculture while celebrating the educational experiences that take place every day through the farm program at Shrub Oak International School. The event demonstrated how farm-based programming can foster teamwork, practical skill development, and meaningful engagement through authentic, hands-on activities. From planting seeds and harvesting vegetables to collecting eggs and arranging flowers, students participated in experiences that connected classroom learning with real-world applications.
The celebration also reflected Shrub Oak International School’s commitment to creating enriching opportunities that encourage growth, independence, and community involvement. By sharing the harvest with staff and inviting them to experience the farm firsthand, the Little Oak Farm Market showcased the remarkable work taking place across campus and the many ways students contribute to its success. National Farmers Market Week served as both a celebration of agriculture and a recognition of the dedication, collaboration, and enthusiasm that continue to make the farm program an important part of the Shrub Oak community.
