Submitted by Aiden O’Malley (Grade 6)
WEST MILFORD — Butterflies. They’re everywhere. Lately though, not so much.
Each fall, after a Monarch emerges from its chrysalis, it consumes large amounts of milkweed. It eats tons of milkweed to get prepared for its long journey south. At Marshall Hill School, the life cycle of a Monarch Butterfly has been brought to Miss Shawn Rhinesmith’s and Mrs. Merjeme Duffy’s classrooms.
On Thursday, Sept. 29, Miss Rhinesmith answered some questions.
How many years have you grown butterflies from eggs?
“I have actually done this since I was teaching Kindergarten, so I would say about 20 years. Last summer I was invited to go to William Paterson University to a Monarch teachers’ workshop. I learned a lot more and Mrs. Duffy and I applied for a grant. We were awarded the grant and now have a lot of extra supplies. We actually have a butterfly tent that students are able to walk into with all of the butterflies flying around. We got new materials and books. So the grant really helped us. Last year we planted a butterfly garden outside with the Green Team and for the first time ever, we had Monarchs visit and lay over one hundred eggs! So my hopes came true and that was my goal for Marshall Hill School; for the monarchs to actually come and they did, so I am very happy.”
When do you plan on releasing the butterflies that you found while releasing your first batch of Monarchs?
“From Oct. 3 to about Oct. 8, we will have our last cycle of butterflies.”
Why were you growing Monarch Butterflies?
“The Monarch life cycle is a great way for students to learn the life cycle of a butterfly, and it’s something that can happen in a couple of weeks. So for the little guys especially, they can see firsthand from the very beginning egg stage to the butterfly stage within three weeks. It’s instant gratification for them and it’s quick and you can do the unit and they learn a lot.”
As you can see, Marshall Hill School is really getting into the fall spirit. Rhinesmith’s and Duffy’s classes are very lucky to experience the life cycle of a Monarch Butterfly. Good luck Marshall Hill.