Chirping Chicks

BY MACKENZIE HAGGERTY AND ISLA MARTIN

According to an alumni first grader, one of the chicks that escaped out of their home managed to poop all over the rug! Based on these stories I sure hope more exciting events happen when rising first graders get more chicks, but maybe this time they don’t cause any trouble for our students and teachers.

All things said and done, taking care of these adorable chicks along with first grade students may be difficult, but no one can deny, it is sure worth it to see the heartwarming smiles on students, as well as on faculty members’ faces.

As most of the Kennedy students know, the first grade classroom is home to baby chicks that have been hatching every single year for the past three years. We are uncovering what goes on in the classrooms, and how the hard working teachers take care of the cute, but chaotic chicks.

Routines And Conditions

Most of the care taking takes place during the school day. The classes work together to feed, water, and clean the habitats. However, the steps that are taken in their cleaning routine are extensive. First, the water container must be cleaned and refreshed. Next, any dirty areas in their food container are cleaned, and more of their feed is added. The dirty shavings are replaced with new, clean ones. (This process does not have a particularly good smell according to the first grade teachers.)

Not too long ago, on Monday, May 1st, the first grade classroom candled the eggs. In this process a specific light is placed under the egg and the shadows of the chicks inside are exposed. They check on the developing embryos to make sure all the chicks are healthy and developing well.

When they hatch, the chicks can get a little dirty, but before and after holding the chicks, the students and teachers wash their hands. When the chicks are younger, they doze off most of the day, but as they get older, their rambunctious and playful sides come out. At night, the chicks hangout in the classroom. They are supposably getting sleep, but who knows what they are really up to…

Logistics

The chicken eggs arrived at the classroom on April 24th. They stay in the incubator for about 21 days and live in the classroom for about a week, so they don’t get too big and start running around the classroom.

The fragile chicks can only be carried around by adults, and the students need to be seated while they hold the chicks. The chicks are a good way to practice staying calm and quiet, for they require a relaxing atmosphere.

The chicks are named as a class, so everyone is satisfied. A secret vote takes place featuring the students’ ideas. When there is a close second, the next chick will step into the name.

Bloopers Throughout The Years

There have been many funny instances over the years, but these are some of the most prominent ones. One time, they kept the chicks for longer than recommended, and the chicks got so big they sometimes managed to escape and could have reigned chaos!

A special thanks to Ms. Leary and Ms. Matteis, they gave us most of our information, and we couldn’t have written this article without them. c