GROW Academy back with new principal

GROW Academy is holding its Back to School Nights this week, welcoming back their teachers and staff, as well as introducing a new administration to students and parents.

Lacie Harris is the new principal at GROW Academy, leading the school into another year of growth after graduating its first classes last year.

Harris is a graduate of Point Loma University. She has focused on reading and literacy, state and federal program management, instructional design, curriculum development and teacher training. She has masters degree in education from Point Loma, and a reading certificate from the state Department of Education.

GROW Academy is also getting ready to plant their Edible Schoolyard, which is used as a tool to teach students how food gets to their tables. The kids are a big part of the process, including tending the gardens, watering and harvesting the crops, and learning how to prepare the food. The school's menu utilizes the produce that is grown for student meals.

There are Recipe Days, which takes a family's favorite recipe and shares it with the student body, giving everyone a chance to make the dish, making it a schoolwide event, as well as a great activity to do as a family.

This week, parents will have a chance to learn about the school year at their respective Back to School Nights, which are being held on Tuesday and Thursday. These events allow parents to meet the teachers and get information on the upcoming classes and curriculum.