Ms. Danielle Hoskins and student teacher Miss Moore have welcomed two new class pets at Steeby Elementary, Link and Zelda, who are are eight-week-old parakeets donated by the Haveman Family.

The birds live in an antique bird cage the class has modified for safety, using repurposed poultry netting. The cage easily can be wheeled around the school to visit other classrooms. Students now are enjoying learning more about what Link and Zelda need to be happy and healthy, as well as spending time observing them and incorporating them into the day.

Once the birds have settled in, other classrooms will be able to sign up to be host to these special pets for a time and learn about their care

A 2015 study conducted by the American Humane Association with funding from Pet Care Trust emphasized, “…a class pet can teach children important values like compassion, empathy, respect, and responsibility for other living things, as well as give them much-needed leadership skills and stress relief.” (American Humane Association, 2015)