Every incoming freshman, as if pledging a fraternity, must swallow one — though it must be noted that these initiation oysters come from Mr. Malinowski’s parents’ place 100 miles away.

Malinowski held up a bag filled with what looked like Grape-Nuts but were actually a hundred thousand baby oysters, about to be planted in the FLUPSY. Harbor School students will monitor the oysters’ growth, and with luck, Malinowski said, adult oysters will be breeding in the Hudson by next summer.