Today the 5th grade took the last leg of our
journey to save the Monarchs. This journey began in October. We received grants
for milkweed, we planted milkweed to get the garden ready for our butterflies,
we became a “waystation” on the National Registry for Monarch butterflies and
we raised our own Monarch butterflies in the classroom. We released those
butterflies today. We started our ceremony in the gym and then moved to the
garden. When we let the butterflies out of their cages, they stayed with us for
a very long time hopping from student to student as if they were thanking us
for taking care of them. And then, suddenly, within the blink of an eye, they
took flight. Their shimmering beauty and graceful flight was a wonder to us
all. Butterflies symbolize new beginnings. What better way to celebrate our
readiness for middle school. Releasing our Monarchs was a magical experience.
