Ann Hemming

Hemming's "Business is Bloomin at BMS - Plant Seedling Project" will enhance student learning by introducing them to entrepreneurship with start-up plant seedling businesses. In addition to learning about the science of plant growth, students at Bath Middle School will come face-to-face with the challenges and rewards of owning a business. They will learn how to advertise their business, balance profits, manage overhead and other recurring costs as well as learn how taxes affect the economics of their budget. Profits from the mini-businesses will be donated to charities in the area and leftover seedlings will be given to organizations that grow food for the hungry. Students will apply the scientific method to experiment and discover the ways to yield the best seedlings. Based on those findings, they will also create a tips sheet containing recipe and nutrition information. The grant will go to the completion of a greenhouse to be used over the course of the project. The school's 160 seventh-grade students will directly benefit, and the program will lay the foundation for future classes to learn similar principles. Hemming resides in Gardiner.