🌟 School Spotlight: A Full Circle Moment at Harding Township School 🌟

This week, we experienced a truly full circle moment at Harding Township School—where the very first seeds of You Are a Gardener® were planted. We had the joy of presenting our K–4 assembly with both Gardener Anna and Gardener Aidan helping present, making it a meaningful and memorable milestone for our family.

Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan at our #PullYourWeeds® Assembly For Harding Township School June 2025

Gardener Anna, now in high school, graduated from HTS two years ago, and Gardener Aidan is preparing to graduate 8th grade next week. It was such a special experience for Anna to reconnect with the teachers and community that helped shape her journey. And to stand beside Aidan as he prepares to close this chapter where it all began—it’s something we’ll always treasure.

Our book and programs were created when Aidan was in Kindergarten and Anna in 2nd grade, right here at HTS. So much growth has taken place in that time—not just for our family, but within the school and this beautiful community. We’ve grown alongside each other, rooted in kindness, compassion, and resilience.

1,2,3-PULL YOUR WEEDS! (press play)

We are filled with gratitude for the support HTS has shown us throughout the years, and especially for the guidance and encouragement they've given to Anna and Aidan in their academic, athletic, and social journeys. A heartfelt thank you to school counselor Ms. Emily Thony and principal Dr. April Friedman for championing our program and coordinating a meaningful, impactful assembly. Both shared beautiful testimonials that touched our hearts and reminded us why this work matters.

Dear Shanna,  What a special treat it was to have you, Anna, and Aidan present to our Kindergarten through 4th grade classes this morning. To be a part of your family's journey at HTS has been incredible, and I am so grateful to you for sharing your gifts of joy, kindness, empathy, and growth. Your message is simple yet powerful and relatable to so many. Watching Anna and Aidan "grow" in more ways than one is a testament to you, not only as their mom, but as someone who has taken on this concept of spreading their seeds in such a beautiful way. I am honored to still have the original You Are A Gardener book. I still remember hearing about the birth of this book, and the journey you have taken it to is quite inspiring. Thank you again for spreading your own seeds of kindness to our HTS community. ~Emily Thony, School Counselor

Thank you so much for coming today and sharing your important message with our students. You have something with this entire concept! Keep building it and spreading the message! ~April H. Friedman, Ed.D.

Harding Township School, you are gardeners—nurturing young minds, growing with intention, and blooming with heart. Thank you for being such a big part of our garden.

HTS—keep it growing. We’re rooting for you always. 🌱✨

~Gardener Shanna, Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan