Interviews
Biology teacher Teri Anger described that many students come to Saul to learn more about animals and some are interested in becoming veterinarians, but have not had much exposure to farm animals. She also explained that students are placed in one of several tracks after their Freshman year: Animal Science, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, or Food Science. Although students express their first choice, there are not enough spaces in the animal track to accommodate student interest.
Saul is the largest agricultural high school in the nation and its mission is to "develop an understanding of and an appreciation for the career and leadership opportunities that are available to them in the many fields of agriculture and the natural sciences." Saul offers 15 agricultural classes and has sports teams as well as school clubs related to agriculture (4H) and environmental studies (Envirothon).
According to Mrs. Anger, students at Saul are generally respectful and motivated. Students come from all over the city of Philadelphia, which does not seem to deter parents from attending parent teacher conferences and staying in touch with teachers via email. She mentioned that some students come to Saul because it is a safe school and her colleague compared teaching at Saul to "teaching at a school in the suburbs."
According to Mrs. Anger, students at Saul are generally respectful and motivated. Students come from all over the city of Philadelphia, which does not seem to deter parents from attending parent teacher conferences and staying in touch with teachers via email. She mentioned that some students come to Saul because it is a safe school and her colleague compared teaching at Saul to "teaching at a school in the suburbs."
Saul '93 graduate RJ lives in Philadelphia area, and still spends time working at the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture site). Saul was "not like a normal school in the city" for RJ, both because of its high academic expectations, and because it drew from a wide spread of students from various areas of the city. He has also remained in touch with two of his former teachers that still work at the school.
When asked about the teachers, 2001 graduate Labaron named 4 of his favorites and said, "The teachers were friendly and approachable, which was particularly important as there are always a few students that were difficult." In regards to other students, Labaron says "there was something that we always had in common, which made the friend making process much easier." He also reports that up to 10 years after high school, he was closest to the friends he made at Saul. Additionally, he mentioned that many alumni return to Saul for the annual fair and noted that it's "neat" to see them bring their children.
When asked about the teachers, 2001 graduate Labaron named 4 of his favorites and said, "The teachers were friendly and approachable, which was particularly important as there are always a few students that were difficult." In regards to other students, Labaron says "there was something that we always had in common, which made the friend making process much easier." He also reports that up to 10 years after high school, he was closest to the friends he made at Saul. Additionally, he mentioned that many alumni return to Saul for the annual fair and noted that it's "neat" to see them bring their children.
W.B. Saul in the News
Nina Berryman is employed by Weavers Way Co-op, and is the farm manager at Saul HS’s CSA (community supported agriculture) garden. She and an educational coordinator collaborate with students and teachers at Saul to get student involved in the farming.
The previous education director at HGC (Henry’s Got Crops) says she was responsible for teaching lessons, which ranged from cooking demonstrations, discussing food and social justice, and assisting students grow their own vegetables to take home.
Saul students come from all over Philadelphia and some have to travel as long as two hours to get to school.
The CSA offers internships for students at Saul and other schools to get paid to work in the garden and learn more about managing vegetable production. A former intern and student at Saul, Katelynn Elliott remarked, “I went on a tour [of Saul] and just fell in love with it. There’s a lot more room. You can move around here.”
Lazor, D. (2013, July 11). Making their stands. The Philadelphia Daily News.
In addition to preparing students for various career paths, Saul hopes to teach them how to raise animals humanely and ethically. Koskela says, “We’re not here to raise prize-winning pigs...We’re here to raise stellar individuals and students.”
Durkin, M. (2014, Jan 7). York native’s Philly students show livestock at Pa. Farm Show. The York Dispatch.
The previous education director at HGC (Henry’s Got Crops) says she was responsible for teaching lessons, which ranged from cooking demonstrations, discussing food and social justice, and assisting students grow their own vegetables to take home.
Saul students come from all over Philadelphia and some have to travel as long as two hours to get to school.
The CSA offers internships for students at Saul and other schools to get paid to work in the garden and learn more about managing vegetable production. A former intern and student at Saul, Katelynn Elliott remarked, “I went on a tour [of Saul] and just fell in love with it. There’s a lot more room. You can move around here.”
Lazor, D. (2013, July 11). Making their stands. The Philadelphia Daily News.
In addition to preparing students for various career paths, Saul hopes to teach them how to raise animals humanely and ethically. Koskela says, “We’re not here to raise prize-winning pigs...We’re here to raise stellar individuals and students.”
Durkin, M. (2014, Jan 7). York native’s Philly students show livestock at Pa. Farm Show. The York Dispatch.