Growing Skills and Confidence: Ms. Arb’s Garden Takes Root at Mt. Herman
At Mt. Herman Exceptional Student Center, learning is sprouting in every direction—especially in Ms. Kimberly Arb’s transition classroom. As an ESE Teacher, Ms. Arb is bringing hands-on life skills to her students through an innovative indoor gardening project.
With a vertical garden tower growing lush, leafy greens under LED lights, her classroom has become a living lab. This project directly supports the standard: “Use Specific Knowledge and Skills When Completing Leisure Activities Involving Gardening.” Students are actively engaged in planting, watering, observing growth, and learning how to care for living things.
But the learning doesn’t stop there. The class also sells the plants they grow, giving students the chance to practice communication, customer service, and money-handling skills. It’s a full-circle experience that blends academics with hands-on, functional learning.
“The garden has become a source of pride and routine for our students,” said Ms. Arb. “It’s not just about gardening—it’s about building independence, confidence, and connection.”
By incorporating this project into her curriculum, Ms. Arb is cultivating more than just plants—she’s nurturing essential life skills that students will carry into their everyday lives.
Mt. Herman is proud to celebrate educators like Ms. Arb who bring creativity, care, and real-world learning to the classroom every day.
IMPROVING ESE SERVICES - Your voice matters! In less than five minutes, you can help us improve services for students with disabilities by completing a short survey.
This survey is open to all families whose children receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services—from preschool through 12th grade—as well as parents of students with disabilities who are 18 or older. What’s the purpose? Each year, the Florida Department of Education invites families of students with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) to share feedback on how well schools are partnering with parents to support students with disabilities. The survey is quick, easy, and can be completed online: https://fldoepaads.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_881xTFo6E6C6ZJI. Prefer a paper version? Use this link: Download the paper-based ESE Parent Survey
Thank you for your time and partnership in helping us build stronger programs for every learner!
