All types of marine life will be spending a lot of time this year at K.E. Little Elementary School. The school was awarded a very nice surprise this summer when the Kemah Aquarium selected them as the school to adopt for the entire year.
"This is just an incredible learning experience for our students," Principal Kenna Cotton said. "We were not sure if we would even be chosen after we applied because there are so many schools that want this distinction. We are very excited that we were selected." There was a long application process according to Cotton. Not only the principal has to send in an application, but letters of entry also came from second grader, Maya Braddy and her teacher, Megan Morris.
"We were really impressed by the letters the students and teachers wrote in their applications," Deana Atteberry, Education Coordinator the Aquarium, said. "We are very excited to be here for the entire year."
Benefits of being adopted by the Aquarium are: Sharkey the mascot visits at pep rallies and special functions, classroom or auditorium style programs for students, Science Fair judges, unique opportunities for students to meet animals from around the world, Certificates of Achievement for students and teachers, classroom posters, fundraisers - Civic Voyage bake sales, carnivals and educational tours.
The Aquarium will donate a 55-gallon aquarium with fish- (African Siclids) to the school. They will train a committee of teachers and three students per grade level on maintenance and care. Biologists will teach students how to run and maintain the tank, creating hands-on learning the whole school will enjoy.
"There is so much that goes into this adoption that we feel we can give the kids some of the best learning they could receive," Atteberry said.
Sharkey was a huge hit at the school's Meet the Teacher Night. He was waiting for students as they walked in the door. The Aquarium personnel handed out school supplies and backpacks to students, along with greeting them with goodies.
"They will leave the aquarium in our building for us to keep after the year and leave it adequately stocked with fish and a maintenance program. We will also get coupons for every student to the Kemah Aquarium/Boardwalk," Cotton said. "It's going to be a great year with The Aquarium. We feel like they picked the best school for this year and we will have a good time all year."
