Hauppauge High School is celebrating a milestone moment in sustainability, service, and science education. Thanks to a generous grant from Suffolk County’s Agriculture in the Classroom program and the Hauppauge Education Foundation, Simone Pavlides and Director of Science and Research, Dr. Robert Wankmuller, secured a FlexFarm — an innovative indoor growing system that allows students and staff to cultivate vegetables year-round.
This fall, the FlexFarm yielded its very first crop, and the excitement was palpable as the inaugural harvest of fresh lettuce took place. Teachers Mrs. Handley-Pendleton and Mr. Yablon, along with students enrolled in Science Research and IB Environmental Systems and Societies, played a central role in caring for the seedlings and monitoring their growth.
On harvest day, Ms. Pavlides, the faculty team, and supporting students gathered to pick the crisp greens — a proud and rewarding moment symbolizing weeks of planning, learning, and hands-on stewardship.
What makes this achievement even more meaningful is its purpose: the freshly harvested lettuce was distributed to families in need through the High School Food Pantry and Care and Share program. With food shared on December 17, the timing aligned perfectly to offer nutritious support just in time for the holiday season.