WOODBURY – Nonnewaug looks a little different this school year with refreshing designs scattered across campus. Nonnewaug’s landscaping class tried out their first installations in the fall, and the festive additions have had NHS’ collective campus craving more.
Nonnewaug’s new landscaping instructor, Jennifer Plasky, has brought a contemporary, creative eye to the landscape design on Nonnewaug’s campus. Plasky’s class recently experimented with a fall design in two locations on campus, and with raving reviews Plasky’s class has been requested to take their designs to more locations.
“Everyone who has spoken to me has told me that what we have done is great, and something Nonnewaug hasn’t done before,” said Plasky. “I don’t think I expected to hear so much positive feedback. People in this school are really good about complimenting our work, which makes us all feel really good.”
Nonnewaug staff has recognized the hard work and effort behind the installations, and they also understand the importance of what Plasky’s students are learning. Bringing the students design plans to life is inspiring for students, and rewarding when they see the final product.
“I think that it’s imperative that an agricultural school looks as best as we can make it look,” said Nonnewaug Assistant Principal Declan Curtin. “It will show an aspect of our academic program that we want to highlight. We want to show the capabilities of our students and teachers that are involved with landscape design. It really shows how everyone is putting forth effort, so that the campus looks as good as it can.”
Plasky’s strong background and education in landscape design offers a reputable eye for her new class of students.
“I didn’t know how involved math and numbers would be in our installations,” said Junior Josh Spataro who has learned quite a bit working under Plasky’s tutelige this semester. “Sketching different plans and working with our classmates on the final decision is a pretty fun process. Putting up all of the decorations was definitely a process, but the finished product was great.”
Prior to taking Nonnewaug’s landscaping class, many students doubted the intensity and knowledge behind landscape design, but the outcome of it all is worth it.
“Our last installation was definitely a struggle because of the weather,” said landscaping student Rocco Varrone. “Even though the soil was frozen solid, somehow we managed to finsih the plan, and make the school look great. My favorite part was working with some of my classmates to try and set up Christmas trees. I really did enjoy the installation process more than I thought I would, it’s something I didn’t expect to do this year.”
The most rewarding part of the whole process is the finished product and that is something Plasky would agree on.
“I think my favorite part is when we finish a project and we get to stand back and see the final product,” said Plasky. “I think my students also love to see what they have created, and how many people react to it. People come by and take pictures of our work and it makes me really proud. They did very well, especially with our latest one, nothing fell down and we didn’t even need to do any touch ups or anything, it’s great.”
The new additions to Nonnewaug’s school grounds have caught many people’s eyes, and the feedback encourages the students to keep up their hard work. The students’ work ethic impresses staff around school, and is greatly appreciated.
“I love it,” said Student Resource Officer Chris O’Toole. “I think the installations are great. I think they’re doing a tremendous job cleaning up the place,and putting in all of the plants and decorations. I love how all of the students are in uniform and matching with all of their landscaping t-shirts. I think it’s incredible. I tell her (Nonnewaug landscaping instructor Jennifer Plasky) how great she is all the time.”
It is undeniable that Nonnewaug’s new look has left an impression on the community.
“At the end of the day we want to be proud of what we present to the community,” said Curtin. “We get to show off students’ skills while also giving a lot of opportunities to our students who can now experience and improve their skills and craft with landscaping.”
