One Team, One Dream in action

At Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), our hands-on, collaborative approach to early childhood education allows children to engage deeply in meaningful project-based learning. During the late winter and early spring, our partnership with Milton Hershey School (MHS), which CHS is a subsidiary of, brought two unique experiences to life, showcasing the power of working as one.

Seed-planting experience

*CHS Hershey children and their teacher collaborating with MHS on the study in the STEM Garden*

As spring arrived, CHS Hershey children welcomed a group of MHS horticulture students for a seed planting project. Across two afternoons in March, the children and CHS staff rotated through small groups, working directly with the MHS students and teachers to plant seeds, prepare seed trays, and learn what plants need to grow.

MHS students also read books to the children about different foods and processes necessary for farming as part of Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week, which focuses on connecting volunteers from the agricultural community to local classrooms to share the story of agriculture.

The children will now have the opportunity to observe their seedlings over time and connect the planting process to growth and care. Our CHS STEM Garden serves as a space for exploration, providing children with opportunities to engage and experiment outside the classroom.

“This experience allows our children to work side by side with high school agriculture students, learning through hands-on opportunities and real-life modeling,” said CHS Curriculum & Instruction Manager Claire Crescenzi. “It’s a beautiful way to connect CHS and MHS, and show that learning can be fun, collaborative, and meaningful.”

*CHS Hershey children listening to a book from an MHS student*

Construction study: Building with MHS

From January through March, children in the Bumblebee classroom at CHS Middletown explored construction through a project-based learning study. Collaborating with MHS seniors and teachers from the construction track, children explored materials, tools, and blueprints used in building projects. Some of these studied structures included Storm Runner and Lightning Racer at Hersheypark and the chocolate house – which the children helped create – at Hershey’s Chocolate World.

The MHS students visited the classroom to present how things are built, giving children insight into following plans, measuring, and problem-solving. Using the materials provided, children worked collaboratively to build their own creations along with confidence, curiosity, and collaboration skills.

The project culminated in a family showcase where children proudly shared their work with parents and caregivers.

*A CHS Middletown child in a constructed plane*

“Seeing our CHS Middletown teachers and coaches, MHS students and teachers, and families collaborating and celebrating alongside the children highlights the strength of our One Team, One Dream theme and how it can result in high-quality early learning,” said CHS Middletown Center Director Jessica Knaub.

One Team, One Dream

These experiences reflect the spirit of One Team, One Dream, the CHS 2025–26 school year theme, highlighted by the collaboration across CHS, MHS, and the families we serve. CHS values these meaningful partnerships that bring learning to life for our children.

Through collaborations with MHS horticulture and construction students, children experienced learning beyond the classroom while teachers and families worked together to support each child’s growth. These partnerships demonstrate how shared expertise and teamwork create richer educational experiences, reinforcing the belief that strong relationships between schools, staff, and families lead to stronger outcomes for children.

*CHS Middletown families observing the final projects completed by their children*

At CHS, providing high-quality early learning is a collective effort. Teachers, Family Success Teams, partners including MHS, and caregivers each play an essential role in supporting children’s development. By working together toward a shared mission of creating high-quality learning communities that nurture, educate, and empower children and families in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives, CHS and MHS continue to strive to advance Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision of opportunity and success for every child in our care.