Small Fry to Go - Week #8; A Teacher's Perspective; "A Poignant Send-Off"

“Fish are friends not food.” This was the vibe I was getting from my little students the other day as one stood up and practically protested the fish release that was quickly approaching. This spunky little girl was telling our class how unfair it was that the fish they raised would be released and probably eaten some day by other fish or by fishermen. She continued on to announce to the class how we humans aren’t eaten; therefore, why should our rainbow trout be released to their possible deaths?

While this story makes me chuckle inwardly, the majority of the class shared the disappointment expressed about our fish leaving the school this Saturday, March 8, 2014. They were sad to see their “friends” go away. My class sat, in a circle, by the outdoor classroom on Thursday, March 6th, enjoying the warm sunlight, talking about the new things they had observed that day, and sharing their feelings as we said our last goodbyes to our trout. The students wrote in their journals one last time, meanwhile documenting information about their fish. As the students stood up to read their journal entries, I could not but get a small glimpse of how these children had connected with the trout. Some of my students were almost in tears as they read about how sad they were to let the fish swim away into Lake Perris. While I knew my class had learned many new things through the Small Fry to Go project, I had failed to recognize how much they loved these little fish. Thankfully, as we continued talking that afternoon, my students did find a little more happiness in knowing that their friends would be released into their natural habitat and could enjoy swimming in the big lake.

On Saturday, March 8, 2014, families and staff from Temecula Preparatory School arrived at Lake Perris to release the fish. A great time was had by all as Headmaster Phillips, Principal Marek, and even one of the park rangers gave speeches about the Small Fry to Go project as well as explaining what a park ranger does day to day. Then, one by one, sponsors and each grade level lined up to release the rainbow trout into the lake. Students and teachers took clear plastic cups with fish and gently set the fish free into the lake. The students waved goodbye and watched their little friends swim away in their new home. After all the fish were swimming in clear blue water, everyone made their way up to the park to enjoy some lunch and play on the playground.

The Small Fry to Go project has ended for this school year, but the learning that has taken place will continue on. I am thankful for the opportunity that Small Fry to Go has provided for the Temecula Prep students to learn, to critically think, but even more so, I am thankful that the children enjoyed loads of fun while learning. This program has brought science and learning to life for many of these students and we are excited for more fish to arrive next school year!

Written by: Courtney Montoya, First Grade Teacher

Temecula Preparatory School

Thank you to our sponsors - Littlefield Physical Therapy, Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and LEGO Children's Fund