Du Bois High science teacher outlines Trout in the Classroom, plans May release at Pete's Pond

Allison Fox, a science teacher at Du Bois High School, told the Fremont County School District #2 board during its February meeting that the school has launched Trout in the Classroom for the first time this year and plans a student release at Pete's Pond in May.

"This is Du Bois High School's first year with Trout in the Classroom," Fox said, describing the program as a national initiative that serves more than 100,000 students and has been running for more than 30 years. She said the school received 50 early-stage eyed rainbow trout eggs delivered by Bruce Wolf of the Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited chapter and that the eggs were fertilized near Sheridan before being brought to the Du Bois facility.

Fox outlined the classroom life cycle and current status: the eggs progressed through the sac-fry stage to free-swimming fry, and students measured individuals at just over an inch. "So we start with a 50. We're at about a 10," she said, reporting roughly 10 surviving fish from the delivered 50. She contrasted that with wild survival rates and earlier classroom attempts: the program has previously tried 400 and 300 eggs in other years, which produced heavier die-offs, prompting a decision to pilot smaller initial counts in a 66-gallon tank.

The class plans a public release on May 13, with a May 19 backup date and a biologist required to be on site during release. Fox said the program integrates state standards and place-based learning, and that students are organizing a May 13 celebration at Pete's Pond with elementary students and community partners including the Sheep Center, the Du Bois Historical Museum, the conservation district, the Game and Fish hatchery and the University of Wyoming.

Board members and Fox discussed logistics and tracking. When asked whether fish survival could be tracked after release, Fox said current fingerlings are too small for GPS or PIT tags and that no firm tracking method is in place: "As of right now, I do not have an answer for that." She said some options—such as notching fins—had been discussed but no definitive plan had been adopted.

Fox described the program's academic connections: students will study genetics, electrophoresis, water quality and watershed science and will create stations and community partnerships tied to learning standards. She emphasized student engagement and career exposure as program benefits.

Board members thanked Fox and encouraged public attendance at student events. Fox and district staff said the program is intended to provide hands-on learning, community connections and a celebration event for students and families.