Forestport Elementary School Picks
Fort Rickey To Receive Donation
October 31, 2006
For several years, students at the Forestport Elementary School have collected pennies to help fund special events at the school. This year, the PTA decided that they would rather use the proceeds of the penny drive to help support a worthwhile organization outside of the school.
Kindergarten classes from Forestport have been visiting The Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo in Rome for many years. Because of this long-term relationship with Fort Rickey, the PTA selected them to receive the proceeds from their penny drive this year.
On Friday, Oct. 31st, the owner and Director of Fort Rickey, Mr. Len Cross, attended the end-of-the-month assembly to thank the children and the PTA. Mr. Cross explained that, even though Fort Rickey is a small zoo, their mission is still very important. He went on to explain that, although it may appear that their job is primarily family entertainment, their underlying mission is conservation.
As he stated, “Our job is to provide an environment that makes children feel connected to wildlife. If children leave Fort Rickey having had an enjoyable experience with some of our animals, they are more likely to care about wildlife and conservation as adults”. He went on to say that, “When children are young, it is possible to form powerful memories and attitudes about wildlife that can last a lifetime”.
PTA President, Karen Ingersoll commented, “Fort Rickey does a tremendous job. It is obvious that they are passionate about their animals and about education. We always have a wonderful time when we take the children there and we are pleased to be able to support them”.
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