Schools release trout raised in classroom

OAKESDALE- Students from St. John Elementary, Endicott Middle School and Oakesdale school had the chance to release over 454 rainbow trout that they had raised in the classroom into Garfield Pond and Rock Lake.

Oakesdale Science and FFA Teacher Nathan Moore brought 35 students to release the trout they raised on Thursday, April 11, into Garfield Pond. St. John Endicott Elementary Teacher Jenny Miller's third grade class followed, releasing the trout they raised in the Garfield Pond on Friday, April 12.

Education and Outreach Coordinator for St. John Rock Lake Conservation District Crystal Davidson said that through a partnership with Oakesdale Pine Creek Conservation District they were able to obtain a Department of Ecology grant to supply the four school districts with the supplies needed to raise their own trout.

"I just started researching trout in the classroom," Davidson said, and reaching out to get tips on purchasing the supplies. As long as they follow the specific rules. Department of Fish and Wildlife picked up eggs from the hatchery drove them to the schools to deliver.

Davidson said the supplies included tanks, chillers and all the supplies need to participate in the "Trout in the Classroom" program.

The "Trout in the Classroom" program is part of science, technology, engineering, math and the arts (STEAM), which is an intentional connection between standards, assessments and lesson design/implementation.

Davidson said that "Trout in the Classroom" connects the students with their watersheds and fosters a new generation of advocates for salmonids and the watersheds in which they live.

Through the program, students are able to learn about the trout life cycle, nitrogen cycle, water chemistry, habitat assessment and more.

"The students tested the water temperature and chemistry at each site, to make sure their fish were entering a good habitat," Davidson said.

Davidson said that upon acquiring the grant they were able to obtain the supplies and rainbow trout eggs from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which Davidson picked up from the Spokane hatchery in January.

"Everytime I went to the schools the kids were so excited," Davidson said, "Every single one was so engaged and it warms my heart, and it made me proud of this project."

Davidson said that raising rainbow trout from eggs to fry has been a rewarding experience for both he teachers and the students, allowing students to connect with the natural world, build responsibility, inspire creativity, while also teaching them research skills.

At the release, Davidson said that each fish was placed in a cup with water, and handed to a student for release. "Some students chose names for their fish before releasing, like Bob, Swift and Rocket," she said, adding that the students then released them by putting the cup down to the water and letting the troutlet swim out.

"Trout in the Classroom is an amazing program for our rural communities," Davidson said, "The students will remember this hands-on life project for many years."

Davidson said that she is proud of the teachers and all the hard work they put into the program, "They really were the superheroes of this," she said, "it's not easy raising fish."

The Tekoa School District was also able to raise fish, Davidson said, adding that their date of release is to be determined.