Who doesn’t love the joy animals bring? John Marshall High School students experienced this firsthand during the second week of school thanks to a special “Rocket Boost” event featuring some furry and friendly guests.
Funded by the Bridge Collaborative and CEAC Learning Project Mini-Grants, and expertly organized by Community School Site Facilitator Erin Vasquez, the Red Barn Learning Farm brought its unique mobile farm experience to the front lawn of John Marshall. This initiative, part of Erin’s monthly “Rocket Boosts – Boost your connections. Boost your mood. Boost your health” series, aims to support student mental health at a foundational level and foster a stronger sense of community.
Transforming the school’s front lawn into a delightful miniature petting zoo, Red Barn Learning Farm introduced students to a variety of animals, from impressively large rabbits to gentle donkeys, playful goats, charming ponies, and even a curious llama. The presence of these animals, not typically encountered in a school setting, visibly brightened the students’ day, sparking smiles and excitement across the campus.
Brian, a representative from Red Barn Learning Farm, explained their mission: “[Red Barn Learning Farm] offers a fantastic opportunity to bring farm animals directly to various locations. It’s a wonderful way to inject some fun into the day and bring smiles to people’s faces.” His colleague, Brenna, added, “While we have our main farm, we specialize in creating scaled-down, mobile versions for diverse settings—from schools and nursing homes to even backyard parties.”
The positive impact on students was immediately evident. “It’s so relaxing to step away from classes and spend time with these animals,” one student shared. Another student, with a personal connection to rabbits, exclaimed, “My family also raises rabbits! They’re so much fun, and I’m thrilled that others get to experience that joy too!”
Red Barn Learning Farm emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction, highlighting its ability to boost mood, enhance social connections, and improve overall well-being. The lively atmosphere on John Marshall’s front lawn, filled with laughter and happy interactions, served as a real-world testament to these claims. Red Barn also suggests incorporating animal encounters into daily life through activities like playing with pets, visiting zoos, or attending county fairs, reinforcing the idea that connecting with animals can provide a valuable daily boost.
Erin Vasquez emphasized the deeper connections fostered by these events: “These Rocket Boost events are incredibly rewarding because you witness students making genuine connections. For some, it’s their first time seeing farm animals up close, while for others, it sparks conversations about their personal histories with animals – perhaps growing up on farms or showing animals in their youth. This shared experience is truly special for both our students and staff.”
The “Rocket Boost” series, featuring initiatives like the Red Barn Learning Farm visit, will continue monthly throughout the school year, promising more enriching and uplifting experiences for the John Marshall High School community.
