Ashley Beck leads Schoolcraft Elementary's salmon classroom program with DNR support

During the recent Waterford Board of Education meeting, a highlight was the inspiring presentation by Ashley Beck, a third-grade teacher at Schoolcraft Elementary, who shared her experience with the Salmon in the Classroom program. This initiative, run through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), aims to educate students about local ecosystems and the life cycle of salmon.

Beck detailed her journey in bringing this program to her classroom, which began with her successful fundraising efforts. Although she missed out on grant opportunities from the Waterford Foundation, she turned to family and friends for support via social media, quickly reaching her fundraising goal. In a commendable effort to support local businesses, she partnered with Highland Tropical, which provided supplies and assistance in preparing the classroom tank for the salmon eggs.

The program kicked off with a field trip to Lake St. Clair Metropark, where Beck learned about salmon and other species, which was essential for obtaining the necessary permits. She returned with 50 salmon eggs, marking the beginning of an educational adventure for her students.

Beck also highlighted the use of virtual field trips, which became a valuable resource during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to enhance the learning experience. Students participated in lessons about the life cycles and survival skills of various Michigan animals and plants, including a tour of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, where they learned about the care and feeding of salmon.

This initiative not only enriches the students' understanding of local wildlife but also fosters a sense of community involvement and environmental stewardship. The Waterford School District's support for such programs reflects its commitment to providing engaging and relevant educational experiences for students, preparing them to be informed and responsible citizens.