What a lovely story! There are schools in Baltimore County that feed birds, put up nesting boxes and plants to attract wild critters. Some schools have nesting shore birds (terns) on their roofs. Our school has spring bird walks with the 2nd graders (a couple of years ago the bird unit was moved to their curriculum from the 4th grades.) When the school's roof was redone last spring we were relieved when the workers told us they were replacing the stones with more stones since the school has nesting Killdeer 'most every spring. I'm not that familiar with other counties but I hear that there are programs that have been initiated. Usually, any kind of birding program is contingent upon having just one interested teacher or administrator. The school's, at least in Baltimore County, are desperate for experienced birders to help out when teaching these birds units. Our 2nd graders have keen powers of observation, they listen & learn quickly. The questions they ask are often beyond the knowledge of their classroom teachers. Gail Frantz Reisterstown, MD