Moharimet Educators Highlight Maple Sugaring Program at SpringFest

  • Posted May 20, 2026
Group photo of Moharimet team members at Springfest.

Pictured from left (back): Jim Davis, Jessica Whalen, Sarah Curtin. Front: Lizzie Higginson.

On May 9, Moharimet School physical education teacher and 2026 Teacher of the Year by Agriculture in the Classroom Jessica Whalen, digital learning specialist Sarah Curtin, and principal David Goldsmith attended the 2026 SpringFest celebration at Strawbery Banke Museum. The event, held over Mother’s Day weekend, was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s renowned maple sugaring program. 

At the event, Moharimet volunteers Jim Davis and Lizzie Higginson joined Mrs. Whalen, Curtin, and Principal Goldsmith and highlighted how the program supports interdisciplinary learning, including science concepts such as states of matter and seasonal change, mathematics through data tracking and measurement, and literacy through reflective writing and storytelling. The display also emphasized the importance of preserving local traditions and fostering connections between students and their natural environment. 

“Our participation in SpringFest was an exciting opportunity to share student learning with a broader audience,” said Mrs. Whalen. “The maple sugaring program embodies experiential learning at its best—blending science, environmental stewardship, and local history in a meaningful and engaging way.” 

Moharimet’s maple sugaring program is an authentic, hands-on learning experience that connects students to the science, history, and cultural significance of maple sugaring. The program engages students of all grade levels in every step of the process, from identifying maple trees and tapping sap, to monitoring sap collection and understanding the transformation into syrup. 

This outreach initiative is part of the school’s “Year of Maple Sugaring” program and celebrates Moharimet’s cherished three-decade-long maple sugaring tradition. 

Moharimet School is grateful to Strawbery Banke Museum and event coordinator Leah Manning, a former Moharimet student, for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful event and share the impact of its maple sugaring program with the community. 

Photo collage showing community members engaging with the Moharimet team during Springfest.

Moharimet team members engaged with Springfest attendees, sharing highlights of the school's maple sugaring program.

Photo collage showing community members engaging with the Moharimet team during Springfest.

Mrs. Whalen demonstrates the maple sugaring's sap collection process.

Moharimet team members at the 2026 Springfest.

The school's display emphasized the importance of preserving local traditions and fostering connections.