Pike Valley Greenhouse Program Receives RCCF Support to Grow Students’ Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Pike Valley USD 426 has received two grants from the Republic County Community Foundation (RCCF) totaling $9,300 to support improvements to the Pike Valley Greenhouse, a key part of the school’s agriculture education program.

RCCF Grant Funds were used to update and reconnect the wiring in the greenhouse, along with repositioning fans and key equipment, restoring the facility to a safe and functional condition. These upgrades allow both students and plants to thrive in the greenhouse without it becoming unbearably warm.

“These updates have made future success in the Pike Valley Greenhouse possible—and that is all thanks to donors and the Foundation for their continued support of students, schools, and communities,” said teacher Corle Becker.

The greenhouse project was proposed in multiple phases to ensure careful planning and sustainability:

• Phase 1: Electrical repairs and upgrades, now completed, ensuring all lights, outlets, and fan/shutter systems operate safely and efficiently.
• Phase 2: Construction of proper metal greenhouse benches, funded by the Pike Valley Foundation, with installation support from students and school maintenance staff.
• Phase 3: Planned installation of a cooling pad system and optimal positioning of fans and shutters to regulate temperature more effectively, allowing year-round plant growth.

The greenhouse provides students in Pike Valley’s plant-related classes the opportunities to “learn by doing”, the FFA motto in action. Students gain hands-on experience in planting, budgeting, and running a plant sale, while developing agribusiness and decision-making skills. The upgraded greenhouse will also allow the program to expand sales of flowers, mixed pots, fruits, vegetables, and other plants to the community, offering additional learning and service opportunities.

“These hands-on experiences equip our students with skills that are transferable to careers in agriculture and beyond,” said teacher Corley Becker. “They also prepare students to be contributing members of the community, ready to volunteer, mentor, and grow alongside their peers.”

Thanks to the generous support of RCCF donors, the Pike Valley Greenhouse program is now better equipped to provide meaningful learning opportunities and long-term benefits for students and the community.

Funding for granting dollars in large comes from the December Match Month campaign.

To give during Match Month visit us online: republiccountycf.org, visit us in person at the RCCF office 1806 M Street Suite 101, Belleville or call us at 785-527-9006.