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Students Lead Tower Garden Installation at Central Administration

Brentwood’s central administration building briefly became a hands-on science lab on Nov. 13 as students from Twin Pines Elementary School and North Middle School taught district leaders how to assemble and install an aeroponic tower garden. 

In a lively scene, students darted in and out of the conference room, pairing up with administrators and guiding them through each step of the setup. Acting as personal tutors, the students explained the basics of aeroponic growing — from how the pump circulates water and nutrients through the tower to why proper lighting and spacing help support photosynthesis and healthy plant growth. 

The district already uses tower gardens in multiple classrooms, but seeing students confidently take the lead made the demonstration especially meaningful. 

STEM Coordinator Rebecca Grella, Science TOSA AnnMarie Madsen and teachers Megan Conlon and Barbara Zembrzycki helped organize the visit, which ended with an open invitation by Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera for the students to return for a “salad party” once the first harvest is ready. 

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