Having animals allows students to care for something that has feelings. Many students learn to love these animals and ask to visit them years later.
Students learn responsibility by feeding the animals the appropriate amount of food and managing their waste. Students read to the animals and learn to care for others with love and kindness. If a student is feeling anxious or upset, they can go to the animal’s cage and watch the animal, and then practice some breathing exercises and regulate themselves.
Students can also make connections between their needs and the animal’s, such as physical and emotional needs.
Meet Poppy, our sweet and spirited school dog who brings smiles and comfort to everyone she meets. A friendly and gentle soul, Poppy loves greeting students in the hallways and offering a calming presence in classrooms. She’s a beloved member of our school community and plays a special role in promoting social-emotional well-being for all.
8th-grade math welcomed two new students...and they're guinea pigs! There's a brown one (Simba) and a black one (Scar). The students all submitted their ideas for names and we chose Simba and Scar because the bunny that used to be in room 305 was named Mufasa.
Mrs. Steffan was trying to find another bunny to foster in her room when Mufasa left. When she noticed her friend was rehoming these guinea pigs after only 5 months of having them, she knew they were meant to be in her classroom. Mrs. Steffan has never owned guinea pigs before but she's excited to have them.
They're a welcome addition to our classroom and we know they're already enjoying their new home at BuffSci. Come up and say hi to them, they'd love to see you...and get a treat!
Thumpelina is a 5-year-old bunny that was found outside. She will thump when she wants attention from you. She loves pets and treats from students, and is living her best life in our 5th-grade classroom!
Meet Snowflake!
This little rescue bunny has found her furever home here at BuffSci with Mrs.MC. She loves her carrots and burrowing in her custom-made snowflakes. As soon as students arrive, she enjoys jumping on top of her cage so that she can get as many pets as possible.
This adorable rescue bunny has officially found his furever home at BuffSci with Mrs. Todino-Montes and Mr. Stevens. Every morning, Peter channels his inner escape artist—hopping into the day with curiosity and charm!
Meet Gandalf, our adventurous albino rabbit with a curious spirit! This charming male bunny loves nothing more than exploring outside his cage, hopping around to discover every corner of his surroundings. With his snowy white coat and inquisitive nature, Gandalf brings both beauty and joy wherever he goes. Whether he’s on the move or quietly observing, Gandalf’s gentle personality makes him a truly magical companion.
Meet our trio of albino rat brothers, a lively and curious group who love exploring together! With their striking white coats and bright red eyes, these three are not only unique in appearance but also full of personality. Whether they’re playing, snacking, or cuddling up, the brothers are inseparable and bring endless entertainment with their playful antics.
Huey, Dewey, and Louie are male finches. Their favorite activity is taking baths and they love to swing. They get along well with each other and snuggle together while they sleep. Their lack of egg-laying suggests they are all male.
April is a 8-year-old red-eared slider turtle. She spends most of her time underwater, but also likes to dry off in her basking area. She gets really excited to see people in the hopes that they will feed her!
Meet Mikey, our charming 5-year-old male Red Eared Slider, who brings a touch of aquatic magic to our school environment. While Mikey may appear shy at first glance, mention dried shrimp or mealworms, and you'll witness a remarkable transformation.
Introducing Jade and ZaZu, our delightful duo of female Red Eared Sliders! Adopted from a friend in February 2022, these aquatic companions bring a splash of joy to our school community. While their exact ages remain a mystery, ZaZu holds the title of the elder among them. With her fiery spirit and bold demeanor, ZaZu fearlessly navigates her underwater world. On the other hand, Jade exudes a serene charm, preferring a more laid-back approach to life. Together, they make quite the dynamic duo, offering endless entertainment and companionship. Dive into the enchanting world of Jade and ZaZu – where every moment is filled with aquatic wonder!
Meet Boba, the bashful male Red Eared Slider who completes our trio of aquatic companions! Like his sisters Jade and ZaZu, Boba's age remains a mystery, although he holds the title of the youngest among them. Adopted alongside his sisters in February 2022, Boba brings a sense of gentle reserve to our school environment. Boba tends to shy away from the spotlight, preferring quiet moments of reflection. Despite his reserved nature, Boba's presence adds depth and harmony to our aquatic community.
Stop by and check out our 2 amazing fish tanks!
Cichlids
Tetra
Plecos
Live and Fake Plants
Meet our sweet young guinea pig, a little lady full of charm and curiosity! She may be small and shy, but she has a big personality — especially when lettuce is involved. Crunchy greens are her absolute favorite, and she’ll happily munch away the moment a leaf is in sight.
Two foster bunnies currently living their best life with Mrs Craine and family. They love to eat carrots, play, jump, and run. They also enjoy sitting on Mrs Craine's daughter Amelia. They will eat right out of her hand.
This female rabbit was found outside alongside a male rabbit and was brought in as a stray. She stayed with us on pregnancy watch and has gone back to be adopted!
Mama rat arrived in our care as a foster with her adorable litter of ten 3-day-old pups, creating quite the lively 'mischief' in our school. While Mama initially showed some reluctance with our presence in her cage, her precious babies quickly warmed up to us with their affectionate cuddles and playful antics.
***Dropped off for adoption on 1/27/2024.
Meet Poptart, the charismatic medium-sized Red-Footed Tortoise who has found his way into Foster Care through an owner/guardian surrender. He is currently undergoing treatment for an upper respiratory infection. As part of his treatment plan, Poptart requires intramuscular injections (IM) to administer his medication while in foster care.
Meet Brownie, our adorable foster rabbit, approximately 3 months young! Brownie's favorite pastime? Leaping with grace onto the top of her hutch, showcasing her impressive agility and zest for exploration. Despite her initial timid demeanor, Brownie quickly reveals her playful side when treats are on the horizon.
Meet Harley, our vibrant yellow English Labrador Retriever! This energetic and playful female pup, named after the infamous Harley Quinn from DC comics, was born on March 21, 2023. Harley's zest for life is contagious, especially when she's bounding around with her beloved rocks and sticks. Her absolute joy is found at the creek during summertime, where she gleefully swims to her heart's content. And when it comes to treats, Harley's love for food knows no bounds – her favorite indulgence being a juicy rib bone. Get ready for endless fun and laughter with Harley by your side!
Drogon was a bearded dragon. He liked to eat carrots and apples, but his favorite food to eat was superworms. He loved when students cashed in their points to let him sit on their shoulder during class!