An extraordinary event recently unfolded in some of our Port Dickinson Elementary classrooms. First-grade students in Ms. VanLuvender's classroom and kindergarten students in Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Huyck, and Miss Brodie's classrooms witnessed the joy of baby chicks hatching!

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County helped to make this opportunity possible. After receiving eggs, an incubator, and other items to support the chick's hatching process, the classes had the privilege of having weekly Zoom meetings with a representative from the organization. They were also able to meet some chickens through the virtual calls.

The students excitedly kept track of the progress of the eggs in their classrooms. After about 20 days, they noticed small cracks on some of the eggshells, offering a peek into the world inside.

While they may not have seen all of the eggs hatch, they were delighted to welcome the adorable, fluffy chicks into their classrooms. When the chicks were ready, students could hold them carefully and learn more about them.

Although the chicks couldn't remain in the classrooms permanently, they moved to Ms. Stetson's farm to grow and develop.

Overall, this exciting opportunity provided a fantastic learning experience for the young students (and teachers as well)!