Owl pellets symbolize something much bigger at Witter Ranch Elementary

--- Published on October 08th 2014 ---
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Owl pellets stood as an odd but vivid symbol Wednesday of how Natomas Unified and the business community can work together to benefit students.

Chevron purchased dozens of owl pellets for Nicole Swonger’s fourth-grade class at Witter Ranch Elementary School as part of a $1,600 contribution that included science equipment to teach students about wind power, hydropower, fuel cell cars, simple machines and construction.

“This is a great example of how Chevron is working with teachers and with school districts to make sure teachers have the supplies they want to teach the leaders of tomorrow,” said Michael Rubio, Chevron spokesman.

Superintendent Chris Evans appeared at a brief Witter Ranch ceremony Wednesday to watch Mrs. Swonger surprise her class by opening boxes containing Chevron’s gifts. After thanking Chevron for its contributions, Evans asked the fourth-graders how many of them want to be scientists someday. Several arms shot into the air.

Chevron’s contribution stemmed from its “Fuel Your School” program in which a dollar will be donated to a local school each time a motorist purchases eight gallons of gas or more at a Chevron or Texaco station in October. Chevron plans to donate up to $500,000 in Sacramento County.

Mrs. Swonger’s fourth-graders ended Wednesday’s brief ceremony by donning gloves, grabbing magnifying glasses and dissecting their owl pellets, which contained undigested remains of rodents, birds and other prey that can be used to analyze an owl’s eating habits, living habits and the cycle of nature.

Giovanni, 9, said he found seven skulls, “tons of bird legs,” some rodent jaws and a “little bit of feathers” in his owl pellet.

“It was fun,” Giovanni said. “I really like science, and this is interesting because you never know what you’ll find” in an owl pellet.

Angelina, 8, said that owls used to live near her, so she’s no stranger to dissecting their pellets. She wants to be an ornithologist – bird scientist – when she grows up, so she enjoyed Wednesday’s dissection, but added, “I think it’s a little bit gross because sometimes there can be caterpillar droppings.”