Riley School: 43 years of personalized enrichment

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 9:15pm

    ROCKPORT — Just as the children depart in early June, the Riley School campus comes alive with nesting bobolink, which arrive in early June and depart just before school begins. Their aerial drama and wild singing, the jet black males with a bright yellow nape and tuxedo-like markings on their backs, soar into the air singing so wildly they almost seem confused and then land like butterflies on the tall grass.

    Female bobolinks, golden and bronze, sleek, with delicate stripes on top of their heads, like to test their mates and neighbors, making a whine-like call and rocketing into the sky to see which male can keep pace.

    Far from being "for sale," and un-maintained as the proximity of the deceptively visible signs for the adjacent farmhouse might indicate, the Riley School is about to open for its 43rd season. This summer, the meadow was kept tall as habitat to the many bobolink, turkeys and butterflies who activated the campus.

    The bobolinks prefer habitat with moderate to tall density vegetation, and moderately deep litter, For example, a female bobolink breeding on a hayfield cut in late-May, and again in early-July, has zero reproductive success. Meanwhile a female breeding in a field cut after mid-August will successfully produce at least three young. Available breeding grounds have seen a 50 percent decline since 1987.

    Riley's 20-plus acres provide a safe and healthy environment for the growth of the young of many species.

    The Riley School is a progressive elementary school in Glen Cove based on the premise that all children deserve personalized enrichment at all levels and an education that is grounded in inspired, foundational growth. At Riley, children are engaged in meaningful learning that is reflective of their own interests, style and progression. Children work in in small, ungraded, classes, allowing the development of the skills and attitudes which will help them become lifelong learners and innovative, independent thinkers.

    Applications are still being accepted for children ages 7 -12. There is a wait pool for ages 4-7 and 12-14. Visitors are welcome by appointment.  Arrangements can be made by calling 596-6405.