Lower School Menagarie

My name is Onaje Oladuwa but my kids call me Joy to the World. I teach 6th grade science at KIPP South Fulton Academy in East Point, GA. My students largely come from an economically disadvantaged background, but are some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. They have worked and continue to work extremely hard; they're in school from 7:30 am - 5 pm each day and an additional two weeks in the summer. 
We currently have three animals in our classroom: two dwarf rabbits named Winnie and Pooh and a 12 year old ball python named DJ. I am daily inspired as I watch them learn to work cooperatively and build relationships with people outside of their comfort zones. Through becoming responsible for the lives of these animals, they face their fears, address misconceptions, and learn valuable skills on the way to becoming more compassionate, respectful and responsible human beings.
After training the first crew of students, I took a back seat - they took over, assuming responsibility for training new students/team members, defined roles and assigned responsibilites, established rules and procedures, and refinined routines. They even hire and fire team members who do not meet community expectations. This works wonders and there is nothing better than seeing the unadulterated pride and overwhelming joy from a kid who has struggled and fought the entire year to earn his/her place on the "Vet Squad" and realized that goal. 
I recognize the success of this program, and would love to expand it to the entire lower school (5th and 6th grade - approximately 180 students). However, as I currently purchase all food and supplies out of pocket, this isn't feasible. Your contribution will enable me to purchase supplies like bedding, food pellets, hay, and chews for the rabbits. It will make possible two more ball pythons, a bearded dragon, an iguana and two small mammals. It will also give us funds to purchase/build enclosures and set up a breeding station for mice.
The possibilities for growth are endless when children are given the freedom to create and allowed to be responsible for building their own truth. I truly hope that you can find it in your heart to donate whatever you can.