Seneca Valley approves grant applications for fishery, robotics club
JACKSON TWP — Seventh and eight grade students in the Seneca Valley School District could visit the outdoors during school hours and fish in nearby Connoquennessing Creek once a “unique learning experience,” known as the SV Fishery, is implemented.
A $24,987 grant request was approved during a school board meeting Monday, March 1. If accepted, the grant would fund equipment including rods, reels, line, hooks and weights as well as waders, assorted bait, tackle boxes and pliers, said Annie Mersing, director of advancement and development.
Mersing on Tuesday said the fishery would be integrated into classrooms and after-school programming, including for gifted students and science classes.
“Students involved in the newly created after school program will have the opportunity to fish at least (three) times per week,” she said
Currently, the district is in the process of stocking the stream, thanks to a donation from community member Randy Hart. The first round will be complete in the spring, Mersing stated, at which time students will be able to start participating.
She noted the program saw interest and potential financial support from other community members and corporations.
“Using the streams that flow on our very own campus in Harmony, Pa., students will be immersed into fishing experiences as well as fish population and waterway education in ‘our own backyard,’” Mersing said. “With easy access to necessary supplies and equipment, interested future anglers will have the ability to literally walk outside of their classroom door and onto the banks of a stream that travels along SV's secondary campus.”
“Providing this introduction to the joy of fishing will be beneficial to students who may not otherwise have a similar opportunity,” she stated.
The school board on Monday evening also approved a $30,000 grant request for the elementary and middle school robotics clubs.
If accepted, the grant would fund program staff and supplies next fall, Mersing stated Tuesday.
The Robotics Club was created last school year.
