Newtown High School Blog

Students enrolled in the Newtown Greenery program are involved in every aspect of running the enterprise. An ongoing challenge is to design and market new products. Course members Laura Curcuruto, Kelly Maher, and Chelsea Ferris display one of their recent successes – floral arrangements crafted to resemble ice cream sodas. One young customer indicates her approval. The arrangements were offered in addition to the annual Valentine’s Day carnation sale. Teachers George Bachman and Kristin Violette supervise the students.

The Greenery is one of several enterprises run as a part of the Fine & Applied Arts Department. The enterprise programs afford students practical experience in an entrepreneurial environment that develops personal and professional skills necessary to succeed in business, and in life.

Chelsea Ferris puts the finishing touches on a centerpiece she designed. In other pictures, Julian Tetreault, Greg Padovano, Spencer Williams and Steve Clark are seen creating and displaying their own creations.

All students are enrolled the NHS Greenery course taught by Kristin Violette, and are refining their skills in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Floral design skills are practiced throughout the year.

Newtown High School Greenery student Amanda Petersen takes a break from helping customers at Saturday’s ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free’ sale at the NHS Greenhouse. Amanda and her teacher, George Bachman, reported the sale to be a success. Plants will be on sale the week of 5/18, and also be available in the school lobby during the Fine & Applied Arts Festival 5/26 – 5/28.

Newtown Greenery, located behind NHS, is having a “CONSTRUCTION CLOSEOUT SALE”

Saturday-5/16 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday-Friday-5/18 to 5/22 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

A great variety of 10″ hanging baskets, window planters, combination planters and 4″ potted plants are available. Take advantage of our “BUY TWO, GET ONE FREE” offer. Purchase any two of the same container types at the regular price and choose a third of the same type FREE.

Miss Gacso’s Child Development class chaperoned their pre-school students on a field trip to the greenhouse operated by the NHS Greenery enterprise program. Read the rest of this entry »

Mr. George Bachman and students from Newtown High School Greenery are working on a joint effort with Mr. Chuck Miller from the Taunton Press to create and maintain a garden on some of the green space at one of the Tuanton Press locations.  To read more, see the full article in the Newtown Bee – Collaborative Taunton Press / Newtown High School Garden Takes Root. Photograph courtesy of Nancy K. Crevier, reporter for the Newtown Bee.

On Friday, April 24th, Newtown Greenery, in cooperation with the Environmental Club, showcased the process of composting in honor of Earth Week. Greenery students volunteered their time outside the cafe to inform students and teachers of the benefits of composting. Read the rest of this entry »

Mr. George Bachman, greenhouse manager and instructor for NHS Greenery Plant Science in Action attended the 33rd Annual Student Career Days at the California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona. It was sponsored by the Professional Landscaper’s Network (PLANET) and attended by over 850 students of horticulture, plant science and agriculture. Sixty universities, community colleges and high schools from around the U.S. were represented along with faculty, industry sponsors, and recruiters. Read the rest of this entry »

Miss Violette’s Greenery students, R.J. Swift and Emily Edgerton, serve NHS faculty and students during the  annual Valentine’s Day carnation sale.  Read the rest of this entry »

More than 20 staff members participated in a Holiday Centerpiece Design Session under the supervision of NHS Greenery teacher, Kristin Violette.  The group met after school, just prior to the holiday vacation. Read the rest of this entry »