Before they were released at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary the week of May 15, orange and black Painted Lady butterflies transformed from caterpillars at each of the elementary schools in Newtown.June 3 Catherine's Butterfly Party

According to Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary Event Chair Laura King, last school year was the first time the program was coordinated with Middle Gate math/science specialist Jill Bracksieck. This year the program grew to include all of the elementary schools.

Hawley Elementary School and Head O' Meadow Elementary School math/science specialists Jenna Connors and Chrissie Pierce, respectively, arrived at the sanctuary the afternoon of May 17 to release the newly formed butterflies from their schools.

tudents arrived with parents and older siblings to attend the event. Middle Gate and Sandy Hook Elementary School were set to release butterflies on May 18. The butterfly releases were held after school on both days.

on the Fairfield Hills campus. The free family event is scheduled to run from noon to 4 pm, and it will include activities, pets for adoption, educational exhibits, crafts, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and more, according to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation.According to Ms Connors, the animal sanctuary donated butterflies to each school ahead of the scheduled

Ms Connors and Ms Pierce said the donated caterpillars were put on display at each elementary school inside butterfly houses. Students witnessed the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.

"They loved them," said Ms Connors. "[The students] were very excited to watch them in all of their different stages."

Ms King said Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Massachusetts supported the donation of the caterpillars to each school.

Information about the caterpillars and butterflies, Ms Pierce said, was put on display with each butterfly house in the schools.

Ms King said she was grateful the butterfly release program came together, as it is one of Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Foundation President Jenny Hubbard's favorite programs.

With everything she helps plan, Ms King said she always tries to keep Catherine in mind. Catherine, one of 20 first graders who died 12/14, was known for her kindness and love of animals.

"I'm thrilled all four elementary [schools] are joining us this year," said Ms King.

As Hawley and Head O' Meadow students gathered around him, Henryk Teraszkiewicz of The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation offered information about the life cycle of caterpillars and butterflies. Students also learned about the importance of planting milkweed plants to support Monarch butterflies.

When it came time to release the butterflies, students took turns opening the butterfly houses.