Peaceful, welcoming, and alive with color—the new JFS Garden is more than just a beautiful spot 
on school grounds. It’s a place to relax, recharge, and connect. What started as a classroom discussion has now blossomed into a full-fledged community space for students and staff to enjoy.
The inspiration came last fall when Margo Kibbler’s sixth-grade English classes read “Seedfolks,” a story about people from diverse backgrounds coming together to grow and share in a community garden. The message stuck. With support from a Union-Endicott Education Foundation grant, students and 
staff turned that inspiration into reality.
Today, the garden is thriving. Raised beds are filled with pumpkins, basil, peppers, and other plants. Perennials and annuals add bursts of color, and the space is thoughtfully designed to serve both as an outdoor classroom and a peaceful retreat. There’s a cozy reading corner, plenty of spots to sit, and room to gather with friends under the open sky. 
To celebrate the garden’s opening, JFS hosted a Garden Party—complete with garden-themed snacks and hands-on activities like making garden stakes and sand art. It was more than a fun event; it was the start of something bigger. New friendships were planted alongside the flowers, and students got their first taste of what this space is all about: community.
This garden isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about growing connection. It’s a calm corner where students can reflect, find quiet, and feel part of something meaningful. Thanks to the dedication of JFS staff and students, the garden is now a lasting gift to the school—living proof of what a caring community can create together.
