First and second graders visit Shaker Village.

Thirty students in the first and second grades of Farmington River Elementary School traveled to Hancock Shaker Village on a sunny day last April to tour and learn about baby animals, as well as experience the Shaker way of life.

Experts at Hancock Shaker Village provided students with knowledge about the baby animals, including when they were born, how they are taken care of, and where they go once they mature. Staff also demonstrated how to shear a sheep.

"The best part of our field trip was seeing goats!" exclaimed one first grader from Sandisfield. "I also liked seeing the pigs that are babies! I liked the donkeys, too!"

Another student from town remarked, "The best part of our field trip was looking at the pigs. They were my favorite."

A young participant declared, "The part that was my favorite was when we could go in the pen and pet the animals. Also where you could milk a fake cow."

Funded by the Sandisfield Cultural Council, the trip complemented the state educational standards for life science. The council covered the cost of admission, bus transportation, and a new brooder for baby chicks back in the classroom, so that learning about the life cycle of a chicken could continue even after the trip.

The Council's mission is to broaden and enhance the cultural life available to the town of Sandisfield and its residents, with high priority given to our school children and activities related to learning. Supported financially with an annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and with volunteer efforts of local residents, the Council always welcomes new members who want to help with projects like this and can be contacted at sandisfieldma.gov/cultural-council.

A thank-you card from one of the pupils.