"Growing Irisarians", Grades K-5

“Train a child in the way they shall grow, and when they are old they will not stray from it”. A quote from Solomon’s Proverb’s. The PAIS Education Program “Growing Irisarians” was initiated in 2013. It is our hope that by teaching iris horticulture to children in grades K to 4 in the Prescott area schools, PAIS will inspire “baby Irisarians” to cultivate an interest in horticulture and the iris. The teaching materials used were developed by the American Iris Society (AIS) and PAIS to comply with the state education standards. The program components include history, geography, science, art and music. Each child is given an iris rhizome and a daffodil bulb to plant in order to observe and compare the different growth and plant characteristics. Members of PAIS which are former educators present the lessons.

In 2013, 128 students in three schools were taught. This program will be continued and expanded in 2014. A sponsorship program is being developed to encourage parents, teachers and students to become interested in the activities of PAIS and AIS youth programs.

If you are interested in receiving more information, participating in this program or joining us, please contact president@prescottirissociety.org.