Harbor Country Day School Students Visit Nissequogue River

More than 75 students from Harbor Country Day School recently participated in “A Day in the Life of the Nissequogue River.” Sponsored by the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the “Day in the Life” program brings students to Long Island’s major river systems in order to engage in hands-on exploration and analysis of one of the region’s precious natural resources.

During their visit, Harbor students from third through eighth grade caught and studied more than 1,400 fish; collected and analyzed water samples to monitor water quality; conducted a physical analysis of the weather, current, and tides affecting the river; and conducted a site analysis of the river’s rocks, minerals, and other characteristics.

All data the students collected is made public and is used for various environmental purposes, including tracking the health of the Nissequogue River from year-to-year. In addition, the program raises awareness among children about the importance of protecting and restoring Long Island’s aquatic ecosystems, as water quality issues continue to permeate Long Island.

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this incredible program,” said John Cissel, Head of School for Harbor Country Day School. “The hands-on understanding the children develop from activities like this is something that stays with them throughout their lives. Their experience on the River goes far beyond simply reading about Long Island’s environment -- it brings the issues home to them in such a way that they have a far deeper appreciation for all of Long Island’s natural resources, including the Nissequogue River, and are becoming stewards of our natural resources.”

The visit was part of a comprehensive program wherein students from 35 schools and 26 school districts across Long Island explored three of Long Island’s four major river systems. Harbor Country Day School students were the only elementary-aged students to participate in the Nissequogue River program.

About Harbor Country Day School

Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational school for children from Preschool through Grade Eight located in the Village of Head of the Harbor in St. James. The school’s mission, “Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder and inspires confident learners and leaders,” is at the center of the school’s program and culture, underscoring every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School. Emphasizing a whole-child approach to education, Harbor offers a rigorous curriculum enhanced by strong offerings in technology, visual and performing arts, advisory, and athletics, as well as an emphasis on character development. Graduates of Harbor Country Day School are fearless learners and reflective leaders who negotiate effectively and possess the moral and ethical foundation that prepares them to exhibit compassion and tolerance in a global community. Harbor Country Day School is also home to a leading Long Island summer program, Camp Harbor, which includes educational workshops designed to inspire curiosity, in addition to more traditional camp offerings.

Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by, and a member of, the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.