Schools

Butterflies Will Become a Living Science Project for Port Jefferson Students

Students began to build a butterfly exploratorium for the entire school to enjoy and learn from.

On Monday, select students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary began construction on a butterfly exploratorium at the school as a part of Prudential’s Global Volunteer Day, according to a statement released by the school.

Laura Hill Timpanaro, who is a Prudential employee and mother of elementary school students, organized the event to fill an empty courtyard at the school. 

“I had a vision for the school’s courtyard to become a living science project,” said Hill Timpanaro.

Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Students were joined by parents, employees of Prudential Financial of Melville, Superintendent Ken Bossert and Port Jefferson Library Director Robert Goykin to plant flowers and butterfly bushes, set up pinwheels, benches and painted a birdbath in school colors.

Students also decorated rocks with wishes written on them, according to the school’s statement.

Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“A dream needs to build upon something strong, which is why we chose rocks,” said Hill Timpanaro.

A rock is also the widely recognized logo for Prudential.

Eventually every grade at the elementary school will contribute to the exploratorium.

“The younger students are learning about butterflies and will utilize the butterfly bushes for observation,” said Ms. Timpanaro. “A music class will make wind chimes, an art class will create kaleidoscopes and kinetic sculptures; the lesson possibilities go on and on.”

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here