It’s not something you see at most schools.
“These are the seven chickens, currently they’re in the run.”
But here at Chalmers STEAM Elementary, Principal Romian Crockett is showing off a brand-new chicken coop.
“It’s extremely exciting, important because we have to actually expose these kids to the things that we want them to do. It’s also very important to the community because I believe we’re probably going to be the only school in North Lawndale with a chicken coop.”
Students will also see a plaque honoring Dr. Mary Logan Reddick, Morehouse College’s first female professor, known for her research of chick embryos.
“We usually hear about Martin Luther King, Malcom X and Rosa Parks. Putting out someone new, creating a greater connection among the kids, this space is going to mean more than just chickens to them.”
Crockett says students will also be tasked with naming, feeding, even cleaning up after their new classmates.
“Great coop. Great community. Great kids. Great school. I’m looking for great things to happen with these chickens.”