On February 2, 2026, Otselic Valley’s third grade classroom welcomed a special visitor as students continued their work with the Trout in the Classroom program.
Board of Education member and Chenango County School Boards Association representative Juliette Wentworth visited the classroom to learn more about the project and hear directly from students about what they’ve been studying. During her visit, students proudly shared what they have learned so far and demonstrated part of their routine by helping monitor and change the water in the trout tank.
Mrs. Wentworth noted how impressed she was by the depth of student understanding, sharing that many students were able to independently explain the trout life cycle and the care required to keep the fish healthy. She also observed that students were eager to describe the process and take ownership of their responsibilities within the project, highlighting the strong engagement happening in the classroom.
Led by third grade teacher Mr. Gross, Trout in the Classroom is a hands-on environmental education program that allows students to raise trout from eggs to fingerlings right in their classroom. Throughout the process, students learn about trout biology, life cycles, and the importance of clean water and healthy ecosystems. They also practice real-world science skills by observing water conditions and understanding how factors like temperature and water quality affect living organisms.
The program connects science learning to environmental stewardship, helping students understand how local waterways, ecosystems, and drinking water are all connected. In the spring, the experience will culminate with a trout release into a natural stream, giving students the opportunity to see the full life cycle in action and reinforce lessons about conservation and responsibility.
The visit was a great opportunity for students to showcase their learning and enthusiasm, and it highlighted the meaningful, hands-on experiences happening every day in OV classrooms.
To learn more about the Trout in the Classroom program, visit:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/environment/trout-in-the-classroom.page
