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Help Fund Our Classroom Pets at High Tech Middle!
Hello friends, family, and community,
My name is Caitlin Keane, and I’m a 7th-grade Math/Science teacher at High Tech Middle in San Diego. This year, I’m hoping to bring classroom pets into my students’ daily learning, and I need your help to make it happen!
Our students are incredibly excited to have animals in the classroom. They’ve been eagerly waiting to welcome them, but as a first-year teacher (and graduate student finishing my master’s in teaching), the cost of purchasing and caring for these animals is a big challenge.
All donations will directly fund the purchase and care of classroom pets and supplies, enabling students to learn about and love these animals for years to come.
Why Classroom Pets?
Classroom pets provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences. My goal is to:
- Teach students about animal husbandry, responsibility, and empathy.
- Connect our pets to 7th 7th-grade NGSS science standards (Next Generation Science Standards).
- LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Students will study how our pets rely on food webs, habitats, and care routines.
- LS1.C – Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms: Students will learn how our reptiles and fish obtain energy and grow.
- LS4.C – Adaptation: We’ll explore how each animal’s unique traits help it survive in its environment.
Planned Classroom Pets:
Gargoyle Geckos (60-gallon bioactive terrarium)
- Docile, handleable reptiles that make great classroom ambassadors.
- Low maintenance, can be safely left over weekends without daily care.
- Thrive in bioactive tanks, teaching students about mini-ecosystems.
Ball Python (80-gallon terrarium)
- Known as “gentle giants” of the snake world, they are docile and easy to handle.
- Long-lived species (20–30 years in captivity), providing lasting impact.
- Teaches students about reptile biology, feeding habits, and adaptations like constriction and camouflage.
- Helps break down common fears and misconceptions about snakes.
Current Pets: Two 20-gallon Fish Tanks
- Aquatic ecosystems where students can learn about nitrogen cycles, water quality, and fish care.
- Possibilities for freshwater community tanks, shrimp tanks, or species with unique adaptations.
Potential pets 10-gallon Terrarium (small animal candidates):
- Hermit crabs (social, fascinating molting behaviors).
- Dwarf frogs (interactive and fun to observe).
- Isopods or beetles (perfect for learning about decomposers and nutrient cycling).
- Small gecko species, like mourning geckos (parthenogenetic so students can uniquely study reproduction).
Why Your Support Matters
As a first-year teacher, I want to create a classroom that sparks joy, curiosity, and responsibility in my students. These animals will provide daily learning opportunities and help shape how students see themselves as scientists, caretakers, and compassionate people.
Any contribution is optional but greatly appreciated. Every dollar helps us bring these amazing animals into the classroom and ensures they are cared for properly with healthy food, enclosures, and enrichment.
Thank you for supporting our students and their future classroom pets!
With gratitude,
Ms. Keane
7th Grade Math/Science Teacher
High Tech Middle
Organizer
