In previous years, some teachers had pets in science classes. This school year has come with an increase in the number of class pets.

“I’ve just recently got a turtle from a student. I also got a new snake, Thomas, after Eric, my previous one, died last year,” said Biology teacher Matt Nevels. He used to have a class tarantula named Walter from seven years.

This is my first year with Franklin. I’ve never had a turtle as a class pet,” said Nevels. “Franklin’s really small, and he’s really excited and very active. He’s enjoying his new environment, too. Franklin is a snapping turtle, so he’ll be with us for a good five years before he starts to get really big.”

Another new class pet in school is art teacher Chelle Cox’s new fish.

“I’ve had a couple fishes before, but this is my first year with one here,” said Cox. “I bought him myself, and the class and I named him after Japanese Royals Baseball player, Nori Aoki.”

Students in Nevels class said they really enjoy the atmosphere of having pets in class.

“This is my second time in class with pets, and I think it’s pretty cool and fun,” said junior Jocelyn DeHaro.

The environment in the class with the pets has gotten a whole lot better.

“In eighth grade, we had a rabbit and a hedgehog in our science class. Some kids were allergic to it, and went to the nurse, but I really don’t mind class pets,” said Tommy Vo

Not all the students enjoy all the pets in the classroom. Junior Faizol Bouchard said he does not like the snake, but others are fine. Omar Abdullahi, also a junior, said, “This isn’t my first time in class with pets. But I really like that we get to look at the pets before and after class.