Classroom Plants & Wellness

While the teachers are away, some of the classroom plants will play at Plant Camp, of course! These leafy learners have left their windowsills behind and are off on the ultimate summer retreat, whether at home or at Plant Camp. Teachers and staff who received a plant can opt to take it home for the summer or enroll it in Plant Camp. Plant Camp started in the summer of 2024, after we awarded Schwenksville the mini-grant in February.

The money trees are giving unsolicited financial advice to anyone who will listen, Chinese Evergreens are hoping for a trip to Evergreen, and peace lilies are finally getting some… well, peace. There’s group chlorophyll charging under full-spectrum lights, root stretch sessions, plenty of gossip about which student overwatered them the most, and even a trip to the library. And in case anyone gets burned by either gossip or the sun, the Aloe Barbadensis is there to save the day. It’s the break they photosynthe-sistently deserve! 🌱

Classroom Plants

Picture this: every time you walk into a classroom, you’re greeted by a vibrant, living reminder of growth, care, and fresh air. That’s the vision behind Mrs. Patti Colucci and Mrs. Kathy Long’s new project — bringing a plant into every learning and working space across at Schwenksville Elementary!

Why plants? The benefits are powerful.

Plants naturally purify the air, reduce stress, and boost focus and creativity. They also offer something even more important: an opportunity for students to develop a relationship with nature, right inside the classroom. In a world where kids are spending more time indoors than ever, adding plants gives them a daily connection to the living world — a chance to care, nurture, and grow alongside something green.

There’s also real science behind it. Studies show that indoor vegetation and even views of natural elements can lead to lower stress levels, greater concentration, and a greater sense of calm and well-being. Plus, caring for a classroom plant introduces an easy, meaningful way to teach leadership, responsibility, and environmental awareness.

PVSD Foundation is excited to watch students take ownership of caring for their plants — and in turn, find new pride in their classroom spaces and a deeper connection to nature.

Teachers could choose from: Chinese Evergreen, Dracaena Marginata, Mostera Deliciosa, Pothos (golden and satin), Peace Lily, Palm, Diffenbachia, Snake (Sansevieria) – 3 varieites, Zebra (Aphelandra Squarrosa), ZZ (Zamioculcas), Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica), or Aloe Barbadensis.