SS IN THE NEWS

Gina Ciccarella feeds the trout

Learning about one of New Jersey’s native species

Fifth-graders in an extracurricular program are witnessing the miracle of life. The students are raising rainbow trout in Tricia Mitchell’s classroom and follow every stage of their development from eggs to fingerlings. On Trout Tuesdays, Mitchell remotely teaches students about the trout life cycle and biology, the habitat needed for the trout’s survival, the impact of humans, and the importance of conservation. 

“These students are the future stewards of the planet and this drives home their role in conservation,” said Mitchell. “The project also reinforces some of the key concepts in the science curriculum.”

Videos, trout word games, and mini research projects help make the learning fun and active. 

The trout are incredibly delicate, sensitive to the most minor temperature changes and pollutants. In the wild early in their life cycles, the fish spend several weeks unable to swim and are defenseless against predators. Even in the controlled environment of the classroom, only a few of the 80-100 eggs are expected to live and mature enough to be released into local fresh water this spring.

This unique program is made possible through a partnership with the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, New Jersey in association with Trout Unlimited, a national conservation group, and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The hatchery provided the eggs at no charge.

During the district’s holiday recesses, Mitchell will come into the building several times per week to feed the trout and monitor water temperature and quality.

It’s Alive! A Crankenstein lives in all of us

Tracy Church’s first-graders know what awakens the Crankensteins in them.

The class read “Crankenstein,” a storybook that tells the story of a boy who becomes a monster of grouchiness when faced with the trials and tribulations of life. Ugh, who can handle waking up early, stingy neighbors on Halloween, melting Popsicles, long lines, cough syrup, and bedtime?! The boy learns to identify the triggers that bring out his inner monster and cures his moodiness when he develops a fun friendship with a fellow Crankenstein.

The story was a primer for a discussion with students during morning meeting time about things that made them cranky. Going to bed, hunger, not getting enough sleep, when parents take away iPads and other technology as punishment, and friends who don’t share were among the grumpiness starters. And the worst affront of them all: Siblings who take apart Lego creations. (Is nothing sacred?!)

“The kids didn't like when Crankenstein became cranky, and they made the connection that sometimes the crankiness gets the better of them too and they behave in similar ways,” said Church. “We also talked about some strategies to use to deal with crankiness such as taking deep breaths, counting to 10, and thinking of a happy time or place.”

Morning meeting are devoted to social emotional learning. During this time, teachers lead students in a variety of cognitive and interpersonal activities that help them learn to manage emotions, make good decisions, build friendships, respect others, and develop a healthy sense of self. Teachers in all elementary classrooms in the district begin each day with morning meetings.