River Bend and Guldan Family Farm had been collaborating through River Bend’s World of Responsible Kids (W.O.R.K.) program.

River Bend Teacher Jennifer Isaac said through the WORK program, students complete up to 40 hours of real-life work experience, developing skills in responsibility, teamwork, and community engagement. This year, Guldan Family Farms provided work experience for River Bend students again; however, this time, the entire school was invited to participate in harvesting pumpkins.

Isaac said this provided many students with their first opportunity to visit a working farm and actively participate in harvesting produce.

“The collaboration between River Bend and Guldan Family Farm showcases a strong community partnership,” Isaac said. “Beyond their business operations, the Guldans are active community supporters–donating produce to local food shelves and partnering with schools and organizations to create educational and volunteer opportunities.”

Cecil Crislip, a fourth grade River Bend student, manages to haul in a large pumpkin. Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District

The students harvested roughly 500 pumpkins from the Guldan pumpkin patch in mid-October. The majority of the pumpkins will be decorated by the students and gifted to area nursing homes.

Isaac said on Thursday, Oct. 30 the pumpkins will be delivered to Vista Prairie, Oak Hills and Orchard Hills nursing homes to spread seasonal joy.

Isaac said it is the first time the school has done this pumpkin outreach program. River Bend hopes to follow up with a scarecrow decorating contest in November and a Christmas tree decorating contest in December.

Fifth Grade River Bend student Lily Van Epps works to bring in a pumpkin from Guldan Family Farm Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District

Seventh Grade River Bend student Timmy Brown easily carries a pumpkin out of the Guldan Family Farm patch. Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District

River Bend 11th Grade student Ethan Van Lund carries a pumpkin from the Guldan Family Farms patch. Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District

River Bend seniors Sofia Atkins and Gabe Winterowd help bring in the pumpkin haul during River Bend’s day at Guldan Family Farm. Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District

River Bend students and teacher store the pumpkins they harvested from Guldan Farm on Oct. 15 in the school’s storage rooms. The pumpkins will be decorated and delivered to area nursing home residents on Thursday, Oct. 30. Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District From L to R: Hayden Wiegland (11th grade), Sarah Gruendaorf (teacher), Gabe Hermes-Baken (ninth grade), Logan Watson (10th grade), Christopher Turner (10th grade), Sawn Hacker (11th grade) and Austin Matthew Kneeshaw (9th grade). Photo courtesy of River Bend Education District