Skip to main content

Fern Ridge School District

Relationship, Rigor, Relevance

Bringing Wildlife to the Classroom: An Unforgettable Learning Experience

Posted Date: 05/15/26 (04:00 PM)


Some of our EES & VES students had an unforgettable learning experience! 🐾

Facilities Director, Dan Prutzman, stepped into the classroom to share his expertise from his time at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, leading an engaging talk with our first graders about bears, coyotes, wolves, and foxes. Students came prepared—eagerly sharing what they’ve already learned in class and asking thoughtful, curious questions. They even had the chance to explore real pelts and skulls up close, bringing their learning to life in a powerful way.

One fun discovery? Not all hibernation happens in winter—some animals actually hibernate during the summer, a process called aestivation!
This experience was a true example of rigor, relationship, and relevance in action. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect real-world expertise with classroom learning and for the passion our staff bring to enriching student experiences every day.