The typical approaches to New Lebanon School, whether from across the playing field, from the Byram Shubert Library or via the footbridge, all showcase the new modern gray building with its serpentine walls.
Vistas of the building, which opened in 2019, don’t include the school’s gardens, which are tucked away. Situated in a ravine between the former 50’s era building and I-95, the campus also features lawns, rock ledge and woods to the south and west. The greenery serves as a noise buffer and an opportunity for a secret garden.
The New Lebanon School PTA and Greenwich Alliance for Education contributed funds to create raised garden beds and pathways, including stepping stones inside hoops that lead to a delightful patio and gazebo.
Garden club students at New Lebanon School pulled radishes and cut lettuce from raised garden beds. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
Garden club students at New Lebanon School pulled radishes and cut lettuce from raised garden beds. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
On Wednesday, green-thumbed garden club members, mostly kindergarteners but also student through third grade, gathered with parent leaders Elizabeth Pierson and Liz Rutledge for their after school gardening class.
Five weeks earlier, the children planted a variety of seeds. This week the children marveled at the green shoots and seedlings.
After the kids got busy tossing clumps of wildflower seedlings into the berm behind the school where sounds of I-95 are muffled by fast growing screening, they cut lettuce, kale and mint, and pulled radishes from the raised beds.
Despite the school’s location near the highway, the natural environment features new trees and lawns, and the kindergarten classrooms have a view of wildlife including an occasional coyote and woodchuck who sunbathes on the rock outcropping.
Maddie Iacovino, Kindergartener and niece to late teacher, Ms. Sammy, finds joy and remembers her aunt while referring to the garden as her “happy place.” May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
A garden club student at New Lebanon School with an earth worm. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Between the raised beds and path to the gazebo, there is a memorial bench in honor of a beloved teacher who was lost in 2024. While the garden is ground zero for flowers and edible crops, it is also a spot where some find peace and comfort.
The PTA donated the bench dedicated to a beloved teacher who although lost her life too soon, made a big impact on our school community. Maddie Iacovino, a kindergartener and niece to late teacher, known fondly as Ms. Sammy, finds joy and remembers her aunt while referring to the garden as her “happy place.”
Besides beautifying the hillside with wildflowers, the garden club gives the children an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, care for the planet and get excited about trying new food.
On a count of three, garden club students at New Lebanon School toss clumps of soil and seedlings into the hillside. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
Earlier this spring, New Lebanon School was chosen as one of seven teams to attend the Northeast Farm to School Institute in Vermont at the end of June.
Seven people, including New Lebanon school staff, district personnel, and Greenwich community members will attend the 3-day institute where they will create an action plan to bridge connections between the classroom, the cafeteria, and the community as it relates to food, farming and nutrition.
On a count of three, garden club students at New Lebanon School toss clumps of soil and seedlings into the hillside. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Garden club students at New Lebanon School pulled radishes and cut lettuce from raised garden beds. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
A garden club student at New Lebanon School cut kale from a raised garden bed. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
Liz Rutledge shares a sprig of mint with young gardeners at New Lebanon School. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
After School gardening students prepare to toss their wildflower seedlings into the rocky embankment. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
After School gardening students prepare to toss their wildflower seedlings into the rocky embankment. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
After School gardening students prepare to toss their wildflower seedlings into the rocky embankment. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
After School gardening students toss their wildflower seedlings into the rocky embankment. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
After School gardening students toss their wildflower seedlings into the rocky embankment. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Snap peas reach for the sky in empty tomato cans at New Lebanon School. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Garden club students at New Lebanon School cut kale from a raised garden bed. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
The New Lebanon School PTA and Greenwich Alliance for Education contributed funds for the raised garden beds and pathways, including stepping stones inside hoops leading to a delightful patio and gazebo. Photo: Leslie Yager
Elizabeth Pierson cuts greens for a fresh salad in New Lebanon School’s garden gazebo. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
A gardener takes a break during the after school garden club meeting. May 28, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
A garden club student at New Lebanon School with radish leaves grown in a raised garden bed. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu
Garden club students at New Lebanon School cut kale from a raised garden bed. May 28, 2025 Photo: Rai Sandhu