Green Team Parent Newsletter: May 2026

Dear Vestal Parents,

We are wrapping up our first year of Vestal’s first ever Student Green Team! Our Student Green Team is made possible by our partnership and Environmental Health Fellowship with the Eco School Network. Student Green Team Leaders in Vestal’s 3-5th grade classes have met once a month since February during their lunch hour. We have had on average 35 kids for each meeting; it’s been amazing seeing the kids so engaged and with so many great ideas and questions!! 

Kristen & Beth sharing project ideas with students at first meeting.

In February, students voted on different project ideas on ways to make our community healthier for all. The resounding winner was to focus on PLANTS! Our goal is to make Vestal a healthier space by increasing biodiversity with more native plants and trees on campus (we are the Vestal Bees, after all!). We will also be reviving our Hydroponics system and will be able to plant veggies & herbs indoors in the fall/winter without soil!

Student votes on project ideas

In order to get these projects going, there is a lot of planning we have been working on in the background, including ordering supplies for our Hydroponics system and getting permission from PPS for our native plant/pollinator garden. This is all in the works, and we are looking forward to implementing our plans more this upcoming fall!

Students looking at bugs, leaves, and more under digital microscopes

We’ve had a blast getting to know your kids this spring! Wishing everyone a fun and safe summer break, filled with lots of fresh air, dirt, and sunshine!

With gratitude,

Student Green Team Parent Leaders & Environmental Health Fellows:

Kristen Haberthur & Beth Harvey