As students are settling into the new school year, the advanced biology class has welcomed some new animals into the classroom in the next days.

Students paired up to bring in animals, including  a chinchilla, rats and hermit crabs. The students have to take care of their animals, which includes feeding and cleaning up after them. The animals will be kept in biology teacher Chris Bellar’s classroom, occasionally getting to go home with students for extended hiatuses from school.

“I chose a water dragon because it was interesting and cheap,” senior Sabrina Bellar said.

The students’ responsibilities will be graded according to how well the animals do under the students’ care. The previous year’s advanced biology animals will also be appointed to two students for safekeeping throughout the year.

“I think the students will do a great job taking care of their new classroom animals,” Mr. Bellar said. “Students who take advanced biology are there because they want to be there. They are good students who know how to work hard and are responsible enough to do what it takes to keep their animals healthy and well taken care of.”

This has become a yearly activity for advanced biology students and for Mr. Bellar that many come to look forward to when they take the class at the beginning of the year.

“My favorite animal out of all of them is Rachel and Sabrina’s water dragon,” senior Delainey Clum said.