It’s been a long time since the classrooms of HS223 have had a class pet.
While there have been jellyfish, betta fish, and even a bearded dragon in classrooms in the past, it’s hard for students currently enrolled to remember what it’s like to have a pet.
However, HS223 now welcomes a multicolored leopard gecko in room 323, giving students the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be responsible for something other than themselves.
“The gecko gives students more courage to do their work knowing that after they will be able to interact with the gecko,” said Laila Macias (Class of 2027).
Ms. Brown, an HS223 science teacher, came up with the idea of getting a gecko as a class pet. She expressed that the process was not as hard as people make it out to be.
“A grant called Pets in the Classroom allowed me to get the pet for 50% off. It let me get the supplies for free. Teachers get funding, about $255 [through Teachers’ Choice] for school supplies we would like and this allowed me to use the money for the pet,” said Ms. Brown.
And while having a pet is a new experience in HS 223, Ms. Brown sees how taking care of the gecko can help students develop skills outside of the classroom.
“I would hope that students become more responsible. Mr. Carranza has a tracker from Monday-Friday, students write their name which allows them to have the responsibility to feed him, give him water, and clean his tank.” said Ms. Brown.
Having this responsibility is also something that was attractive to Assistant Principal Ms. Downs when she agreed to let the gecko find a home in the building.
“We want students to grow and be more creative, if a pet will help them to do that, that’s what we are going to provide. I am excited to see how teachers are going to use this to engage students. Students get to take care of a life that is not theirs and this may help them in their adult life,” said Ms. Downs
Providing teachers with this type of support opens up opportunities for students to gain new skills and has already had an impact on students.
“I feel like [having the gecko] makes students happier,” said Laila Macias.
In the future, students might get the opportunity to even bring the gecko home on weekends to take care of it.
“I think if I was able to take the gecko home it would make me more responsible than I already am. I used to have a reptile like that in the past so I know what it will need in order to survive. It’s not that much maintenance to keep it alive,” said Brandon Easton (Class of 2026).
Overall, the hope remains that the gecko will actively contribute positively to the classroom environment and promote well-being.
“It’s cool. Having a gecko in a science class adds to the charm of the classroom. And I fed it a cricket,” said Shubra Ahmed (Class of 2026).
What should be the name of the multi-colored leopard gecko in Room 323?
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Ashlyn
Nov 5, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Nice