Last month, RPS proudly honored Kevin and Jo Dayton as Honorary Warriors in recognition of their incredible contributions to our RPS STEM program!
For the past two years, the Dayton's have welcomed our second grade STEM students onto their property along the Chehalis River and Prairie Creek to conduct meaningful, hands-on field work.
With support from Welles Bretherton of the Department of Ecology, students observed native flora and fauna—including macroinvertebrates—and even witnessed an eagle soar and catch a fish right before their eyes!
Jo and Kevin generously shared not only their land but also 14 years of observations on wildlife and wild weather. Students learned about:
🌩️ A tree that survived a lightning strike
🦅 Eagles teaching their young to fish
🌊 The high-water mark from a major flood event
This unique and impactful partnership between the Dayton's and Rochester Primary School will continue next year—and we hope for many years to come. 🙌
💙 Thank you, Kevin and Jo Dayton, for inspiring the next generation of scientists and stewards of our environment. You are truly Honorary Warriors! 💙