‘Harsh Lesson for Kids’: Tradition at Irondequoit School Ends in Heartbreak for Students

Students and families at Southlawn Elementary in Irondequoit were devastated when the school’s cherished duckling tradition ended tragically. For over a decade, ducklings nested in the school’s courtyard with support from a staff member who provided food and a kiddie pool. However, under new administration, those supports were no longer permitted. Students returned to find the ducklings had died, prompting grief and community outrage. Cards and drawings were made in memory of the birds, and an investigation by the West Irondequoit Central School District is underway. Many, like Mary Georger, whose grandchildren attend Southlawn, criticized the school for not intervening earlier and failing to prevent the loss. The district acknowledged the emotional toll, pledging to review its practices. This incident has sparked broader discussions on empathy, responsibility, and the role of tradition in education.

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Source: 13 WHAM News