THETFORD — A sixth-grade class at Thetford Elementary School has taken on two new big projects. The students are applying math, science and other subjects in a project-based learning setting to take care of Millicent and Nigel, two Pygmy goats.
With help from a Poore Family Farm Trust grant, the students envision the goats producing manure to add to the school’s compost, providing emotional support and eating poison ivy on school grounds.
Students take turns caring for the goats during the week, with a sign-up sheet for weekend duties. A game camera also monitors the goats in their pasture.
During the week, the class brings Nigel and Millicent to their outdoor classroom in the woods behind the school. The goats are taken off their leads and are allowed to forage. Students hang their knapsacks on branches to keep the curious goats at bay.
The class hopes to add chickens to their farm menagerie in the spring.