Colorado Stem Academy trainees learn public laws through class family pet lizard “Noodle”

Class family pets normally teach trainees obligation and how to look after animals, however in Westminster, a lizard called “Noodle” taught them a lesson in public law. 

In August, a Leopard gecko signed up with Ms. Laurel Martinez’s fourth and fifth grade class at Colorado Stem Academy. He had an instantaneous effect on trainees, who voted and called him “Noodle.” 

“He’s actually charming,” said a trainee called Beatrice. 

“A great deal of individuals began wishing to get leopard geckos,” said another trainee called Mia. 

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The trainees enjoyed and looked after Noodle up until they got some problem. 

“We dug in and understood that there was a stipulation in district policy that did not permit class family pets,” Martinez said.  

The policy suggested Noodle needed to leave the class in November. 

“They were sad,” Martinez said.  

“I didn’t actually comprehend why he needed to leave,” Beatrice said. 

But the trainees weren’t quiting on Noodle right now. In four months, they organized notes, spoke at school board meetings and drafted a new policy with the district’s lawyer. 

“We passed out little cards, we just told them the idea and we saw that they kind of liked it. So, that made us have good hope,” said Sammy, a student who went in front of the board. 

“It was a lot of critical thinking, it was a lot of research, it was a lot of learning the process of creating a policy, drafting a policy,” said Ms. Martinez. 

Tuesday night the school board unanimously approved the new policy.  

“I thought the first board meeting that’s when they would accept it, I didn’t know it would take months,” Sammy said.                 

Noodle returned to the classroom on Wednesday and it became a surprise reunion as he was met with jumping and cheering trainees. 

“My eyes blew up! I haven’t seen him for like four months and it simply brought back memories,” Mia said.  

The class pet taught trainees a valuable lesson in making change. The policy change is district-wide, which means the trainees unlocked for numerous other “Noodles” to grace the class of Westminster Public Schools long after they have actually left.  

“If y’all altered this policy, do you believe you could have an effect in other methods?” asked Ms. Martinez. The class reacted with a definite “Yes!”