First Lady Crissy Haslam hosted approximately 40 students from Bransford Pride Afterschool Program in Springfield, Tn., at the Tennessee Residence on Tuesday, to launch a new field trip program at Tennessee’s executive residence.
The program invites students to visit the Tennessee Residence to learn about the history of the home and tour the grounds, including the Kitchen and Cutting Garden.
Students will also have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities in the garden, such as planting, harvesting, composting and weeding. Reservations can be made free of charge through the first lady’s website,
http://www.tn.gov/firstlady/residence/tour-student.shtml.
“The Tennessee Residence has contributed to the unique history of our state,” Ms. Haslam said. “Field trips to our state’s executive residence can provide students special opportunities to learn about state government and Tennessee history.”
Bransford Pride Afterschool Program students toured the Tennessee Residence, planted spring vegetables in the Kitchen and Cutting Garden, and prepared a garden fresh recipe with Chef Stephen Ward.
“We hope to provide a variety of learning opportunities for students during their visit,” Ms. Haslam said. “The Kitchen and Cutting Garden is an asset to share Tennessee traditions in agriculture and to learn about healthy fruits and vegetables, science, problem-solving, sustainability and the environment.”
Ms. Haslam also read to students from her March Read20 book of the month, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and emphasized the value of reading at least 20 minutes each day. The Read20 Family Book Club was launched as part of Ms. Haslam’s initiative to highlight the importance of early literacy and parental engagement in children’s academic lives.