Third-graders at the Pierce Elementary School in Bennington walked the “red carpet” during a special ceremony on Tuesday, March 15, to recognize their hard work in raising baby turtles.
The ceremony also highlighted a special honor: The students and their “Head Starting” program will be featured on New Hampshire PBS on Wednesday, March 16.
Teacher Jenn Sutton’s class is raising four turtles, Penny, Myrtle, Rocky, and Flash. The turtle program is being conducted in collaboration with the Harris Center for Conservation Education and the N.H. Fish and Game Department.
Students dressed up for the ceremony, during which they received trophies and certificates. Ms. Sutton also dressed up in her special turtle hat.
Many special guests attended. Susie Spikol, a naturalist at the Harris Center, explained the important job the third graders had and shared when the turtles will be released. She also shared turtle facts and read a poem.
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders attended as well to congratulate the students. And Bennington Bear participated, wearing a turtle shell.
Students are following Zoo New England’s protocols for caring for the turtles, and will release them in May.
Principal Beth Gibney’s message to the school was: Hard work and patience can change the world!
The story will air online during “Windows to the Wild,” on Wednesday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. on NHPBS. To view it at that time, please click this link: www.NHPBS.ORG/WINDOWS. We are so proud of the work the students have been doing this year with the turtles, and can’t wait to see the segment!
We would like to thank members of the Pierce Elementary School PTO, who provided popcorn for the celebration.
