The colorful classrooms at Northwest Children's School, located just off Smokey Point Blvd. at 3833-168th NE in Arlington, hold evidence of the school's current focus on growing things. From finger painted flowers to caterpillar-shaped mounds of dirt sprouting grass, the preschoolers have been exploring the life cycle of plants.

To complement the school's curriculum, teacher Tari Dexter invited students from Arlington High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) program to share their expertise with the youngsters.

"It's important for children to see teenagers in a positive role," said Dexter, whose own sons were involved in FFA while in school. "Visits like this let our children experience meaningful interactions with the larger community."

Maddie Hoskinson, a freshman at AHS, was one of five students who visited the school. "We want to teach them to enjoy the environment," she said, "and to understand how they can help keep it healthy."

The pre-kindergartners, ages 4 and 5, dug into a container of planting soil to fill planting cups, then gently placed seeds in the dirt. With each planter labeled, the students will have the fun of watching their seeds sprout and become a plant over the next few weeks.

"We've also created mini-greenhouses, with beans inside moist paper towels attached to the windows," Dexter pointed out. "We can watch the roots grow through the paper towel and see how the plant develops."

Katherine Ruesken, the school's director, added that the students have had visits from other agricultural representatives.

"The dairy princess visited last week," said Ruesken, "and we've taken the children to Garden Treasures to learn about organic gardening."

Ruesken has owned Northwest Children's School for the past six years, but she is a longtime supporter--her 19-year-old son attended preschool at the Smokey Point facility.

"I told the previous owner (Pam Koons) if she ever wanted to sell, I'd like to buy it," said Ruesken, a former para-educator. About six years ago she got her chance.

"I have a great staff here," said Ruesken. "We all love our jobs and love our kids. We just love what we do."

Northwest Children's School offers classes for preschool, ages 3 and 4, and pre-kindergarten, ages 4 and 5. The school also provides kindergarten support, with classes designed for the every-other-day kindergarten schedule.

"We all work hard to make sure kids know how valued they are," said Ruesken, "and that what they do can change the world."