How a Summer Garden Brought Brighton Avenue School and Community Closer Than Ever

While many students at Brighton Avenue School welcomed their break, a different kind of learning continued to grow in the school’s front yard — within the vibrant space known as the Brighton Botanical Garden.

Rather than letting the flourishing garden go untended, the school’s Summer Program turned it into a daily hands-on learning hub. Staff and students arrived each morning to the scent of fresh herbs, the sight of leafy vegetables, and the chance to contribute to something meaningful.

The experience quickly became more than just gardening. It nurtured teamwork and ownership. “We all pitched in and helped,” said Principal Jason Grimes. “The parents from our school leadership team donated the dirt.” This generosity laid the foundation — quite literally — for a summer of discovery.

Students learned how to water, weed, and manage pests. For many, it was their first real introduction to sustainable gardening, teaching them patience, respect for nature, and the satisfaction of watching their work come to life. Even staff members unfamiliar with gardening found themselves learning side by side with the kids.

A major milestone came with the garden’s first harvest — thick, crisp cucumbers that matched the quality of any store-bought variety. “We taught the kids how to make a cucumber salad,” Grimes said, celebrating the garden’s transition from science lab to kitchen table.

The garden became a bridge between home and school. Parents who had helped early on with soil and supplies returned throughout the summer to weed, water, and check in on the garden’s progress. Their continued involvement turned the project into a true community collaboration.

Looking ahead, the Summer Program prepared the space for the upcoming school year. Staff and students began to plant cover crops, apply mulch, and ready the soil for fall’s next big goal: harvesting pumpkins before the winter chill sets in.

What began as a seasonal activity had evolved into a symbol of what’s possible when students, educators, and families work together. The Brighton Botanical Garden became a shared success — a living, growing testament to resilience, creativity, and community spirit.

“This is truly a community effort,” Principal Grimes reflected — a statement that echoed through every vine, root, and bite of cucumber.

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Photo Credit: Mark Tyler | Atlantic City Public Schools