As Wading River School students are encouraged and supported in academic growth, they in turn are encouraging nature to help promote a healthy planet.
Third graders learned about the important role a praying mantis plays in our ecosystem and how a female can lay up to 200 eggs in an egg case. One egg case finished hatching this past week and each student (and some fourth graders) took home a praying mantis.
“We are hoping the other egg cases hatch soon so we can distribute them to as many young scientists as we are able as we all work together to spread these helpful insects into our gardens and community,” Principal Parrinello said.
Students have been releasing these beneficial insects into their gardens and yards, helping spread praying mantes throughout our community.
Third graders have also started releasing their butterflies as they studied and watched them transform from caterpillars.
The school’s quail egg project, in collaboration with CEED (Center for Environmental Education and Discovery), was not as abundant as in the past years, but the students found them to be intelligent and very quick learners. They are now large enough to be raised by CEED where they will be released into local woodlands mid-summer to help control the tick population.
Thanks to our Wading River school educators and students for embracing these exciting environmental opportunities!
Click here to view the Nature Grows at Wading River School slideshow.
Date Added: 6/10/2025