Kindergarteners at Hickory Hill Elementary had a memorable end to their unit on living and nonliving things when Papillion Animal Hospital brought a collection of animals directly to the school for a visit. Students got up close with two ferrets, two goats, and two rabbits — and even had the chance to listen to the animals' heartbeats, connecting a key life-science concept to a real, living creature right in front of them.

The visit served as a perfect cool-down activity following the school's Color Run earlier in the day, giving kindergarteners a calmer, wonder-filled experience to close out an already exciting afternoon. For students in the midst of exploring what it means to be alive, meeting and listening to live animals added a sensory and emotional dimension to the learning that is difficult to replicate in a classroom setting alone.

The partnership was coordinated through PLC Schools Cooperation BEST, a program that connects local businesses and community organizations with district schools to enrich student learning. It is another example of how Papillion La Vista Community Schools leverages its community relationships to bring the curriculum to life for students at every grade level.