They are here! They have finally arrived!  Yes, there are two beautiful rabbits added to the Sea Cliff School family. The two male rabbits (brothers) were donated by resident naturalist, Mrs. Janet Jardine, who acclimated all the children to these furry friends on November 14, 2018. 

The bunnies were sought after by Ms. Hassani, a teacher at Sea Cliff School, who wanted to teach the students about compassion and collaboration. She said, “What better way to accomplish that than using animals? We have had Dr. Zublionis and the PCA support in turning our first grade pond courtyard into a small animal sanctuary.”

Ms. Hassani continued, “It has been researched and documented that pets provide us not only with companionship but also emotional support. They reduce our stress levels, sense of loneliness, and help us to increase our social activities and add to a child's self-esteem and positive emotional development. For these reasons, I felt that we could better utilize our pond area which was already inhabited by Koi fish, turtles and bull frogs.” 

None of this would have been possible without the Sea Cliff PCA who recruited the help of two Sea Cliff parents, Mr. Hecker and Mr. Leigh, to build an amazing rabbit hutch and paid for the expenses. Ms. Hassani said, “We are forever grateful.” 

She then reiterated the importance of compassion towards others as well as taking care of someone other than yourself.  She concluded by saying, “We have to instill these characteristics in our children now, while they are young.”  Ms. Hassani added a Sea Cliff-hanger, “Who knows what animal will join the Sea Cliff School family next?”

Article by Sea Cliff teacher, Ms. Mojdeh Hassani
Photos by Shelly Newman