Third grade class from Oakland takes part in bird release

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- We may never know what the slimy goo was that killed and injured so many birds along our bay, but on Thursday there was a happy ending to part of the story. And a most appreciative and dedicated audience was on hand.

At most schools this week, kids dealt with their daily doses of reading, writing and arithmetic. Not at Encinal Beach in Alameda; a group of young students studied pelicans, sea gulls and a cormorant.

"We're just really happy for them that now they can go free," student Oral Cohen said.

Third graders from Oakland's Park Day School were part of a happy twist on the goo that fouled feathers between Alameda and San Leandro, killing more than 200 birds in January.

When asked what they thought the mystery goo was, one student said, "It could be something like oil or chemicals. Something like that maybe." Another student said, "I never really got a good glimpse at it. Never smelled it."

Even now, the source of that goo and what it is made of remains a mystery. But for these kids, it became an excellent teaching opportunity.

"One level is empowerment. Children feeling they can make a difference in the world," teacher Mona Halaby said.

The kids responded by going to work and raised $607.30, school-wide, to help the birds. The money went to International Bird Rescue, which gave the kids a unique thank-you by inviting them to watch a release.

These birds were not goo victims, but they all come from the same place and represent the same commitment.

The kids got day at the beach and a lesson to last their lifetimes. When asked if this was better than going to class, the students said yes. But guess what kids? You never left.