🌟 School Spotlight: You Are a Gardener® SEL Assembly at Clifton E. Lawrence School in Sussex, NJ
- Shanna Truffini
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
We first connected with school counselor Rachel Ferris from the Clifton E. Lawrence School in Sussex, New Jersey late last spring, and ever since, we’ve been so excited to bring our You Are a Gardener® SEL Assembly to their wonderful school community. This visit officially kicked off our 2025–2026 school year assembly lineup, and it was the perfect place to start.
Set in the beautiful pastoral community of Sussex County, the drive to the Clifton E. Lawrence School was a reminder of how inspiring it is to bring our program to schools in every corner of the garden state. The students and staff were incredibly welcoming and engaged from the moment we arrived, creating such a positive and uplifting atmosphere for our presentation. We are so thankful to the students for their kindness, enthusiasm, and genuine engagement throughout the assembly, you helped make the day truly special.
This visit was especially meaningful because it was the first time all three Gardeners — Shanna, Anna, and Aidan — led an SEL assembly together. Growing forward, the trio will be teaming up for most school assemblies and student programs, offering a heartfelt and relatable perspective on what it means to grow up a gardener. Hearing from Gardener Anna and Gardener Aidan gives students a wonderful peer-to-peer connection and shows how emotional growth can take root at any age.
Our updated presentation featured new AI video elements, a foxtastic slide show, and interactive activities designed to make the experience educational, empowering, and entertaining. These student programs are created to nurture emotional growth and help students build resilience through kindness, self-awareness, and connection.
The Airport Diner in Sussex County, New Jersey, a local spot recommended after the You Are a Gardener® SEL Assembly at Clifton E. Lawrence School
A heartfelt thank you to Rachel Ferris for her wonderful communication and coordination, and for recommending the Airport Diner for a celebratory lunch after the presentation.
Here’s what some of the amazing staff had to say about our visit:
"Gardener Shanna, Gardener Anna, and Gardener Aidan were terrific! I really appreciated the great communication when it came to planning the day. Shanna was very accommodating to our student and school schedule. It was a pleasure to have her and her children spread their seeds to the students in our building."— Rachel Ferris, School Counselor
"This assembly was AMAZING! The students were very engaged. The lessons taught throughout the story helped them understand feelings a bit more. I loved how Shanna also had her own children with her, sharing real-life examples of how her story was written to help her own children. Overall, I highly recommend this assembly to any school or group of students who really need to dig a bit deeper into connecting with the emotions of their students." — Christine Churchill, 1st Grade Teacher
"We actually are using your breathing technique in class! Love the Pull Your Weeds and Plant Seeds message. It’s very uplifting!" — Tisha Davis, 2nd Grade Teacher
"Hello Shanna! I just wanted to say that the assembly you did at the school for CEL was amazing. It was very cute and interactive! Where can I get your book? I have a little one at home I would love to get it for!" — Danielle, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant for Preschool
We are so grateful to do what we love with the people we love, spreading seeds of emotional empowerment wherever we go. Leading with love, kindness, and connection, we continue to nurture growth that helps gardeners of all ages flourish from the inside out.
Clifton E. Lawrence School, you are gardeners!
🌟 Is your school ready to dig into the #PullYourWeeds® SEL Assemblies and Student Programs? Email us today to start planting seeds of growth and connection in your school community.