SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Sierra House Elementary School on Monday celebrated the recently finished installation of two 18-foot growing domes on campus, moving students one step closer to producing, eating and learning about a variety of nutritious foods first-hand.

Almost the entire student body — more than 500 children — gathered alongside parents, staff and community members for the occasion.

It was an exciting moment for those involved, given the enormous effort it took to make the domes a reality.

"As pioneers we are the first in our community to have something like this," Principal Ryan Galles said to the assembly of students. "Adults paved the way, but now it's your turn."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the growing domes, which serve as year-round greenhouses designed specifically for alpine climates. They rely solely on passive solar heating and will act as an important tool for teaching students, according to organizers.

Among other things, the domes will provide fresh organic produce and an area in which to study soil, vermiculture, aquaponics, math, science and language arts.

So far, almost $120,000 has been raised for the project.

Money was raised through a variety of fundraisers and donations, including a $25,000 donation from Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe.