On March 12, 2020 (just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures) 7th grade scholars who excelled in The Main Street Academy's inaugural Trout-in-the-Classroom, managed by Ms. Jenkins, went on an educational field trip to the to release their rainbow trout into the Chattahoochee River (Johns Creek) that they had been studying and cultivating since first semester.
TMSA partnered with the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited (UCCTU), to deploy the Trout-in-the-Classroom program. UCCTU's goal is to conserve, protect and restore the Chattahoochee River.
Ms. Jenkins stated, "The Trout-in-the-Classroom program is a true labor of love.' Ms. Jenkins' life science students received approximately 200 eggs to raise into fingerlings - rainbow trout. On the day of release, the class successfully raised 140 healthy rainbow trout.
In addition to releasing the rainbow trout during the field trip, students tested the river's PH balances, learned about various fish hooks and participated in an interactive fly fishing drill.
Jim Byrd, UCCTU's Trout-in-the Classroom Coordinator, shared with Ms. Jenkins:
" I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for running your first TIC program in an outstanding manner. I estimate that you had 140 very healthy and large rainbow trout that were raised and released into the Chattahoochee River today. That’s the best I have seen this school year. Your students were engaged and excited. A great indicator that you worked diligently with them to convey all the learnings of our program. I really appreciate you doing such a great job with the program. I look forward to working with you again next school year."
Ms. Jenkins is very eager to introduce rising 7th grade students to the Trout-in-the-Class program next fall!
Click here to discover more about the background of TMSA's Trout-in-the-Classroom program.