Chickens and Eggs at Cherry Valley Elementary

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
Posted on 11/18/2022
At Cherry Valley Elementary (CVE), what started as a pilot incubator program with a handful of chickens has hatched into a year-round agricultural program run by the school’s 13 fifth and sixth-grade students.

Ranching and farming is a way of life for nearly all families of the 39 students enrolled in CVE, which serves Kindergarten through 6th grade. For these students who live in rural Franktown, Elizabeth, and Castle Rock, having chickens at school is simply an extension of their life at home.  

CVE’s chicken coop currently houses 30 laying chickens and two laying ducks. There’s a lot that goes into caring for, feeding, and protecting domesticated birds, and each of the agri program’s four elected student officers takes their role seriously. 

President LeighAnn’s goals are to sell more eggs and to help the birds become friendlier around people. Vice President Leeland keeps the president in check and fills in for her when needed. Secretary Elizabeth takes notes, prepares the meeting agenda, and sends emails to club members and school students. Treasurer Natalie manages the money, egg cartons, and feed supply. 

On average, the chickens produce 30 eggs per day and the ducks lay 12 eggs per week. The revenue from egg sales goes to purchase chicken feed. The feed costs $20 per bag, and the birds go through about four bags a month. To augment the bird’s food, students can drop appropriate scraps from their school lunches into the Chicken Bowl in the cafeteria. And, in case you were wondering, citrus fruits and avocado are a no-no; however, funny enough chickens like chicken! 

To support CVE’s agri-business, school and community members can purchase hormone-free, farm-fresh chicken eggs for $5 per dozen. Duck eggs cost $5 per half-dozen (duck eggs are primarily used in baking as they are creamier than chicken eggs). CVE-branded cartons of eggs are available for pick up at CVE or via limited delivery. Scan the QR code on the flyer or complete this survey to complete an order form.

CVE staff recently fortified the chicken coop to ward off a crafty raccoon and other predators. While the animals enjoy being outdoors during the day, the chickens and ducks instinctively know it’s time to nest around dusk. It’s a protective instinct, and they come into the coop’s enclosed area to bed down for the night. A heat lamp keeps them warm and cozy. An electric door that automatically closes at dusk adds another layer of security to help keep the birds safe overnight. 

It takes a community to tend the flock. The students take charge of the birds during the week, and the student's parents care for the birds over weekends, school breaks, holidays, and summer. The ladies from a nearby church also volunteer to help out as needed.

When asked if the chickens have names, one of the student officers quickly replied, “No, they die too easily.” Ducks must live longer because their names are Custard and Chocolate.

Cherry Valley Elementary will celebrate its 70th anniversary in spring 2023. And that’s something to crow about! 

Cherry valley elementary school students with the chickens at the coop
cherry valley elementary school's chickens
chicken feed
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).