It is important that teachers involved in Salmon in the Classroom are fully aware of their responsibilities and the commitment required for participation in the program, which begins in October or November and ends in May. Read an article from Hartland Schools here.

When salmon are in the classroom, it is vital that teachers follow the instructions regarding salmon care and aquarium and equipment maintenance and that your students are actively engaged in learning about salmon.

Salmon are a living resource and should be cared for in an ethical and appropriate manner. For example, if a teacher is not available to care for the fish for any length of time, it is their responsibility to find an interim replacement to care for the fish. Aquariums should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure good water quality and healthy habitat for salmon to grow and flourish.

Teachers should understand that it is a privilege to raise salmon in their classroom. This program gives students a unique opportunity to learn about conservation, natural resources and how they can take an active role in becoming stewards of our natural resources. The DNR expects all educators participating in this program to ensure the health of the resource and to promote good stewardship. Schools that do not comply may not be issued permits in the future.

Time Committment: This is not a one-month project. You must pick up your fish eggs in early fall and care for the developing fish until you release them in the spring. This is a school-year-long commitment!

Expense: The cost of the aquarium, chiller and other materials may run $1,000 or more, money which is not provided by the DNR. Many schools partner with local conservation or sport fishing organizations or raise their own funds.

Paperwork: Each aquarium of fish must be associated with a Scientific Collectors Permit, for which you must apply. You also must file a brief Stocking Report at year's end regarding the number of fish released (stocked) in Michigan waters and how many students participated this school year. Once you've applied and been accepted for this permit it will automatically be mailed out to you each October, as long as your Stocking Report was returned and completed by fax to Polly Gray at 517-373-1547 or email: grayp@michigan.gov.

Travel: Eggs must be picked up at a DNR weir or fish hatchery, which are located in southwest Michigan and northern Michigan. In addition, first time participating educators must attend a free one-day workshop at the Wolf Lake State fish hatchery or Oden State fish hatchery. Finally, you must schedule a class field trip to release your fish in a nearby, pre-approved body of water.

Mandatory Workshop: Each first time participating educator must attend a free workshop. The dates and locations change annually, and teachers accepted into the program will receive the workshop registration via email. After the workshop has been successfully completed a teacher will remain in the program (as long as they've returned their Stocking Permit each May), until they contact a coordinator telling them otherwise.

Aquarium Maintenance: Aquariums must be cleaned once a week to ensure clean and healthy habitat.

Still Not Sure?
Continue reading. There is a lot of information here which may help you better understand the logistics of the program and give you a better understanding of the year-long process.

Contact a nearby participating school at our Schools in the Program link to find a school that you can e-mail, call or visit to learn about their experience with the program and to ask if they would like to mentor you through your first year.

Ready, Set, Go!
Here are the steps to take once you have determined you are interested in pursuing a Salmon in the Classroom Program for your school. Due to the popularity of this program, a limited number of new classrooms are allowed to participate each year.

1. First fill out and submit the Salmon in the Classroom Admittance Request Form, which will be made available on January 1 here.
2. After acceptance into the program you'll need to fill out the Workshop registration form, which you will receive via email.
3. Apply for a permit.
4. Be sure to purchase equipment before the beginning of the school year. Local groups may be willing to act as your sponsor, and fund your equipment.