(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – November 7, 2024) — This fall, students in the Agriculture Program at Don Haskins PK-8 are learning the real-world science and art of growing pumpkins. Led by teacher Roy Corley, this elective course for seventh and eighth graders provides a hands-on, in-depth exploration of agriculture, animal science, horticulture, and essential life skills, offering valuable experience in both the fields and the classroom.
Each fall, students have the opportunity to plant and grow six varieties of pumpkins, a project that teaches them more than just basic gardening. Starting with soil preparation and seed planting on the third day of school, students spend 90 to 120 days nurturing their pumpkins from seedlings to harvest. Throughout this period, they monitor nutrient levels, conduct soil tests, and ensure each plant is thriving.
“Every now and then, we’ll come outside and make sure everything’s healthy,” said eighth-grader Kirnan Prieve. “We water the pumpkins and make sure nothing is getting stepped on—that’s a big part. We have to make sure it doesn’t get crushed.”
The skills gained in Corley’s class extend far beyond agriculture. “It’s not just putting the seeds in and watering,” Corley explained. “Students run soil tests, check for nutrients, and monitor different pH balances from start to finish. They also learn about agricultural business, including how to manage companies.”
In addition to agricultural skills, students are immersed in business and leadership development, gaining insight into the food supply chain from farm to table. For those who wish to continue in this field, the program also provides a foundation for advanced agriculture courses at Coronado High School.
In the spring, the program shifts focus to vegetables, allowing students to learn about crop rotation and broaden their understanding of plant cultivation. As the agriculture program at Don Haskins PK-8 continues to grow, it remains a model of how hands-on learning can prepare students for future pathways in agriculture and beyond.
Through Corley’s guidance, the program’s success is evident in the enthusiasm of students who gain a deeper understanding of the agricultural industry and experience the rewards of their hard work.
