TRA fourth graders adding vegetables to the salads they are making with lettuce they grew.

Fourth Graders host "Salad Party"

Whitney Point CSD

November 26, 2025

Fourth graders in Mrs. Woughter-Grady’s class, with support from Mrs. Stanley, have been busy since September nurturing a science project that’s all about growth - in the garden and in our hearts.

Students grew several varieties of lettuce and kale from seed. They propagated the seeds, transplanted them to a hydroponic growing tower in the STEAM lab at Tioughnioga Riverside Academy and watched them grow.

Next, they picked some of the lettuce and celebrated their harvest with a festive salad party, where they shared their produce with invited guests.

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, the remaining greens will be donated to the Eagles’ Cupboard Food Pantry to help our community. We are so proud of these young scientists, and even prouder of their kindness!

A fourth grader sprinkles lettuce or kale seeds over a growing brick.

A T R A collects lettuce or kale seeds for planting.

A fourth grader looks at seeds on a paper plate through a magnifying glass.

A fourth grader stands on a foot stool to tuck a lettuce seed pod into a top nook on the growing tower.

Fourth graders by the grow tower.

T R A students place lettuce and kale seedlings into the pockets of a growing tower.

Students looking at the grow tower with its abundance of lettuce greens.

Lettuce growing on the hydroponic grow tower in the STEAM lab at Tioughnioga Riverside Academy.

Two students harvest lettuce greens from a growing tower.

T R A fourth graders select vegetables to add to their salads made with lettuce they grew.

T R A school resource officer, principal and another staff member add vegetables and cheese to their salads.

A fourth grader explains to guests about to sample their salads made with lettuce grown by him and his classmates, the process of planting and growing the produce.

A fourth grader sticks his fork into a salad made with lettuce he helped grow with his clasmates.

Principal Szweliga by the grow tower full of lettuce.