4th grade has been learning about the Razorback Sucker Fish, which is a native species that is currently on the Endangered Species list. Not just here at Juniper Ridge, but all over the valley, students are learning about some of the creatures we share this area with, their importance to the area, and how to take care of them.
Not only did the students get to learn from Kathleen Mawhinney from Colorado Fish and Wildlife (CFW), but Mrs. Rusling's class gets to "foster" three Razorbacks in the classroom! The students work diligently every day to feed their charges, ensure the water temperature and pH of the tank are all good, and observe the fish to make sure they're healthy.
The class has named the visitors "Dorito, Frito, and Cheeto" due to the fact that when looked at straight on, they look like Doritos™ chips. This is to help the sucker fish avoid being swallowed whole by predators! The students are now one week into the observation, and our aquatic friends are thriving. In the spring, Dorito, Frito, and Cheeto will be released back to the wild to live their fishy lives.
