Garnet Valley teacher uses water, plants for life lessons
Garnet Valley Middle School teacher’s horticulture, aquaculture class proves wildly popular
“It ticks all the boxes.” The common expression heard these days means the matter at hand successfully satisfies all the necessary elements.
Simply put, Michael Krautzel’s Healthy Living through Horticulture and Aquaculture course at Garnet Valley Middle School ticks all the boxes. It aligns with students’ career exploration; adds to the health curriculum and complements STEM options; has district support; receives community support; and – most of all – is wildly popular with some of the most enthusiastic students imaginable.
“Mike’s course has the ‘four C’s’ we stress: collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and community,” said GVMS Principal Lisa Stenz. “They are 21st century skills needed. The career piece in a middle school course brings learning to life for either college or career.”
Although this is a new health elective in the 2019-20 school year, Stenz had no problem working it into the overall curriculum. A major change in the middle school scheduling structure enabled the addition of this class. She expressed the same enthusiasm as students and Krautzel himself. “You understand what is going on when you see the kids respond and hear how they describe learning.”
In many respects Krautzel has been building a formal course through programs in the summer, spring break and after school. Student interest moved what was an extracurricular activity to full-fledged course development. The middle schoolers have filled Krautzel’s 12 sections throughout the year with an average of about 25 youngsters per section. This adds to his Health and Physical Education teaching assignment.
The concept of merging horticulture and aquaculture was based on real-life experience and interest. Krautzel grew up not far from what is now the middle school location. He attended the district through graduation and “did well in sports.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. Although he holds graduate degrees in Administration as well as School Counseling, Krautzel’s 20 years of teaching (all in Garnet Valley) have been in Health and PE. He sincerely stated he knows he’s in the right job in the right place, loving the fact that “every day is different.”
Krautzel’s family had a large property and a huge garden was part of his life. He now lives in the same area with the acreage to grow vegetables and fruit, as well as keeping chickens. His blended family consists of his wife, Jean, their three sons and four daughters ages four through 17. The support he receives at home is vital since, he said, “I’m in school almost every day except Christmas.”
This is not just talk. Since his “subject” involves living things in garden beds and huge fish tanks, year round attention is essential. The half-year elective respects the seasons with horticulture running in the beginning of the fall semester and end of the spring semester. Students are taught basic practices that center on rosekeeping, including weed identification and weeding; pruning, composting and its value to gardens; proper watering and all associated techniques.
Aquaculture, in the other half of the term, focuses on everything in and pertaining to 17 tanks—14 in the classroom and three elsewhere around the building. Students learn about and take responsibility for care, feeding and maintenance of the stunning collection of fish and plant life. The sophistication of the equipment is wide-ranging and can even simulate weather changes around the globe.
In talking to students, it’s clear they love the class and have great relationships with Krautzel. It also becomes apparent that his approach – call it a work ethic – has become a model.
“I can use my free period to help mulch or prune in the outdoor season, or clean tanks and help with the living cultures inside,” said eighth-grader Dylan Bledsoe, who is very much a mainstay around the classroom. Dylan is one of many youngsters who ap
“Mike’s course has the ‘four C’s’ we stress: collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and community. They are 21st century skills needed. The career piece in a middle school course brings learning to life for either college or career.”
— Garnet Valley Middle School Principal Lisa Stenz
pear also to have found a “home” with the course. While not getting too deep into the characteristics of middle school-aged students, several mentioned the appeal of music being played in the room, the hands-on work, and the ability to stay active and not static throughout class. With tanks needing essentially constant attention, Krautzel said “there’s a job for everyone and no one is left out.”
Krautzel and his students handle what are literally the day-to-day responsibilities of his course. However, to create learning and excitement, the “materials” are far from standard and include tanks and operating equipment, fish, coral and anemone species, outdoor plants, soil, mulch, books and software. The school community, meaning taxpayers, should understand most of the expense is not in the school district budget.
Stenz noted Mike has “made connections across the area.” By connections it might be finding a new fish or coral species at Aquarium World in Upper Chichester, which is a favorite of adults and kids in the area. Owner Jeff Saylor recognizes the relationship works both ways and has offered “in kind” support when possible. Krautzel looks for opportunities large and small and recently had interest from Subaru as part of the company’s environmental efforts.
“There are tons of people who want to help,” Stenz said.
Krautzel concurred. “We have a very supportive school community which puts a high value on education. I’m fortunate to live in this community which asks what they can do to help.” Over the last several years, the program has received donations of more than $140,000 as of December 2019. Although the school board sees and must approve these “gifts,” the money is designated for the program.
“In an era where public schools are under constant scrutiny and criticism for escalating expenses, Mike’s passion to fund his program far surpassed simply asking for district funds,” said Garnet Valley School Board President Rosemary Fiumara. “I think this demonstrates the kind of innovation and persistence that deserves recognition.”
Among other outreach initiatives is the Frag Swap event. Organized by Krautzel and held in the GVMS cafeteria, the gathering is of coral reef collectors who trade fragments from their tanks, as well as some vendors who come to sell other items that may be of interest to coral reef keepers. In addition to expanding knowledge, the event shows students an entrepreneurial opportunity directly related to their studies. Students also were on hand in the classroom to further demonstrate knowledge about the course, duties and (not the least of which is) the environmental importance of the ocean.
Stephanie and Steven Kolesar took on some adult supervisor duty in the classroom that day.
“Our son, Hunter, was in the pilot program of this course last year. The program taught him a lot of discipline for what has to be done,” said Steve, noting the family has a 250-gallon tank at home. He also recognized the ancillary learning such as math using the metric system for measurement. “They are applying real-world skills, and I see students like my son taking more responsibility.”
Due to timing of the interview, one had to imagine the splendor of some 1,000 roses in bloom (and plan a return visit.)
“Most of our roses are from the David Austin collection which comes from England. We also collect roses from France and Germany, and select those that are mainly disease resistant,” Krautzel said on an earlier tour. Also Krautzel has built benches and a pergola, which have frequent use in season.
Student Paxton Hunt was pleased to conduct a quick outdoor tour of the composting and locations where planting and growing are done during the correct season. Throughout the course students continue indoor horticulture work, tending to plants and creating pot gardens.
“I’m a huge supporter of this class. I’ve seen such a positive influence on my son,” said Michelle Hunt.
Krautzel is unquestionably noteworthy due to his warm personality, vague resemblance to a teddy bear, sartorial skills at matching Crocs to T-shirt and shorts, uplifting gusto and optimism. Beyond that, students, parents, school board and the wider community recognize and appreciate Krautzel for his dedication, innovation, tireless work and inspiration.
Steven Kolesar said (with no prompting required), “Mike’s the kind of teacher that changes lives.”