05/28/2026
Fourth graders in Chris Livulpi’s class recently spent a sunny morning planting corn, squash and beans in the Kent Elementary School garden as part of a lesson connected to history.
The crops, known as the “three sisters,” were traditionally grown together by Native Americans.
“Students learn about Native American history and culture throughout the years at KES,” parent volunteer and garden treasurer Erica Intrieri said. “Native Americans grew these crops. They all grow in harmony with each other.”
As the students patted down the dirt over their seeds, garden founder Sarah LoCasio asked: “How long do you think it will take them to grow?”
Hands quickly shot into the air as students guessed anywhere from two to nine weeks. They sprout in about ten days, LoCasio explained.
The garden program itself continues to grow. Kent Elementary School started its garden, which is run by a team of parent volunteers and funded through community fundraisers, in 2021. Every class in the school participates during the fall and spring growing seasons and vegetables harvested from the garden are donated annually to local food pantries.
Now classes from Kent Primary School are planning field trips to visit the garden and learn what their KES peers have been up to.
“We are hoping we can get something started with Kent Primary School,” LoCasio said. “The kids can help water when they come. They can observe what we have, sit on cushions and have story time.”
LoCasio reminded the fourth graders that the corn will not be ready until after they move on to middle school in the fall, but they will still have a chance to see the results of their work.
“I know you guys will be in another school when the corn you are planting now will be ready, but you should come over with your grownups and see how they have grown,” LoCasio said.
