As the weather cools down and the vibrant hues of autumn take over, KIPP DC Public Schools embraced the season by taking our students to Cox Farm Pumpkin Patch. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of picking the perfect pumpkin. We cherished the opportunity to provide our students with unforgettable experiences that make their education both fun and engaging.
We had a chance to ask the principal of Pride Academy, Salvatore Negrete, why they go to Cox Farms. He responded, “The author Kurt Vonnegut wrote: ‘And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” Going to Cox Farms with 4 and 5 year olds is always a place where I can look around, feel happy, and think “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”
And we agree. It’s easy to get swept up in the kids’ excitement as they approach King Kong perched on his windmill, welcoming them into a wonderland of pumpkin-filled adventures. Here’s a glimpse of what our students get to experience:
The star of the show when you enter is the pumpkin patch itself. Our students had the opportunity to explore rows upon rows of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. As soon as they entered, kids started picking out their favorites, anticipating taking one home!
One of the highlights for many students was the hayride. Climbing onto a tractor-pulled hayride was an unforgettable experience. Our students enjoyed a scenic tour of the picturesque countryside, surrounded by the breathtaking colors of fall foliage. Adorned with fall and spooky scenes, students traveled through a not-too-scary forest filled with aliens, pandas, horses and even a cave troll! Risking it all to cross a river, hoping not to get stuck, our students were excited to see what might be around the next corner. Staff from all over escorted students as they explored all the farm had to offer, including climbing, swings, slides, tunnels and tractors, chasing their excitement–until it was time for some fresh popcorn, of course.
When asked about her experience, Xernalia Marshall, former teacher and current recruitment manager, expressed , “I loved spending time at the pumpkin patch with Pride Academy students. It was such a joy to see their faces light up with excitement during the hayrides, seeing the animals, and the enthusiasm they showed while selecting their perfect little pumpkins made it a truly memorable day.”
At KIPP DC, we believe in incorporating learning into every experience. A trip to Cox Farm Pumpkin Patch offers various educational opportunities, from exploring plant growth cycles by picking pumpkins to understanding agricultural practices on a working farm. It’s a chance for students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.
When asked about her experience, Xernalia Marshall, former teacher and current recruitment manager, expressed , “I loved spending time at the pumpkin patch with Pride Academy students. It was such a joy to see their faces light up with excitement during the hayrides, seeing the animals, and the enthusiasm they showed while selecting their perfect little pumpkins made it a truly memorable day.”
At KIPP DC, we believe in incorporating learning into every experience. A trip to Cox Farm Pumpkin Patch offers various educational opportunities, from exploring plant growth cycles by picking pumpkins to understanding agricultural practices on a working farm. It’s a chance for students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.
“I am so proud that we had the opportunity to bring 170 kids, family and staff out of campus to share that mutual joy,” shared Salvatore.
So, if you’re out at Cox Farms this fall, keep an eye out for the KIPP DC students. We’re the ones with the biggest smiles and the brightest pumpkins, ready to celebrate the wonders of fall!
Happy fall, everyone!
