The 2nd graders at Hart Elementary got to witness some wonderful things last week.  After returning from the Diabetes Walk, all of the 2nd graders walked to the playground to release all of the Painted Lady butterflies we have been watching through the many stages of the butterfly life cycle.  As this cycle came to an end......an new one was beginning.  The day before we had received our shipment of Monarch eggs.  The caterpillars had been very active inside the eggs hours before as we were able to watch them live on a 200x microscope on our Star Boards.  After releasing the Painted Ladies, we entered Mrs. Mills' classroom to witness a Monarch caterpillar emerge out of an egg, and then eat the egg as its first meal!  You could hear a pin drop as the kiddos watched in amazement.  As one student put it, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"

Submitted by Alyssa Cartwright