Betty the Gecko and friends making a big splash at Lake Schools

By: 
Press Staff Writer

        When most people think of classroom pets, they typically think of fish or hamsters.
        However, the options are much more diverse. In Thomas Mahas’ eighth-grade science room at Lake High School geckos, bearded dragons, a red-footed tortoise, and a colony of cockroaches have become pets.
        While the animals were originally collected for use in the eighth-grade science room, the goal was to have a larger impact on the entire district. Earlier in the year, three geckos were provided to other Lake staff to use in both the elementary and middle schools. Each of these animals has developed its own interest within classrooms. Students and staff have enjoyed naming and getting to know each one. One of the geckos was affectionately named Betty White in deference to the late actor.
        Additionally, several students elected to research and write about the care of a specific animal, and if selected then took care of one animal over a short break. Seventh-grader McKinley Johnston took Betty the Gecko home over spring break. “She is very interesting to watch her eat, and I enjoy getting to see her every day,” she said.  
        Over the next few weeks, several animals will make a trip to the elementary school. Students will be able to see live examples of topics they have been learning about with the bearded dragon and tortoise to visit Jennifer Maguire’s kindergarten class, and cockroaches to visit Rebecca Miklavic’s first-grade class. More visits are being planned for elementary classes for good behavior rewards and in the middle school after state testing.
        Next year, Mahas is planning to equip high school students to be animal ambassadors. They will be educated in the care and handling of the pets as well as be knowledgeable about the animals themselves. As animal ambassadors, they will be the ones to bring them to other classrooms for presentations. The goal of this program would be to empower students with opportunities to lead and share their own passions for these fascinating animals. The hope is to expand the program with a few more animals as well. Many students have been asking for a snake to be a part of the classroom.
        All of the pets and supplies have come as donations from people in the community like Braedan Henegar, known as Critter Getter. When animal lovers hear about how these pets will improve the learning environment, they are very excited to be a part of this venture.
        Not only do these animals provide a learning experience to students but also have contributed to the daily life and wellbeing of students. On more than one occasion students have sought out time with these classroom animals to cope with the stress of school. Others have been able to spend time with a specific animal as a reward for completing an especially difficult or stressful task.
        Teachers in other classes have sent their students over to Mahas’ room to have some time with the animals on many occasions. Having a lizard chill on their desk or taking the tortoise for a walk can really have a positive impact on a student’s day.
 
 

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