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\nPhoto: Rebecca Silvestri | Local Profile <\/p>\n
At Hughston Elementary, students arrive early each morning to care for more than 20 animals in the school\u2019s pet lab<\/p>\n
Hughston Elementary in Plano ISD is home to one of the most unusual programs you\u2019ll find at an elementary school: a campus pet lab with more than 20 animals, including an axolotl named Stormy.<\/p>\n
The hands-on program allows nearly 80 fourth- and fifth-graders to care for reptiles, mammals and aquatic species before school each day \u2014 all under the oversight of Plano ISD\u2019s Holifield Science Learning Center.<\/p>\n
Students arrive at 7 a.m. to feed animals, clean habitats, monitor water temperatures and make sure every creature is healthy and accounted for.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a big responsibility,\u201d Sam, a fourth-grade student at Hughston who helps care for Stormy, the axolotl, tells Local Profile. \u201cYou have to feed it, clean feces, check the water level.\u201d<\/p>\n
For these students, science doesn\u2019t just live in a textbook. It lives in tanks, habitats and carefully labeled buckets of supplies.<\/p>\n
How Pet Lab Began<\/p>\n
Hughston\u2019s pet lab started about a decade ago with one classroom pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started it about 10 years ago. It all started with one lone bearded dragon named Spike,\u201d says Ms. Turnbull, Hughston\u2019s fifth-grade team leader.<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: Rebecca Silvestri | Local Profile
<\/p>\n
\u200bAs interest grew, Ms. Turnbull wanted to expand the program to include small mammals. A former principal was hesitant due to allergy concerns and made her a deal: if she agreed to bring in a snake, she could add furry animals. Despite being afraid of snakes at the time, Ms. Turnbull agreed.<\/p>\n
That snake \u2014 a nonvenomous ball python named Fang \u2014 remains part of the lab today. In accordance with district policy, Fang is kept in a locked enclosure and handled only by Ms. Turnbull.<\/p>\n
From there, the program grew thoughtfully \u2014 and always through district protocol.<\/p>\n
Overseen By Holifield Science Learning Center<\/p>\n
Every animal at Hughston is coordinated through and vetted by Plano ISD\u2019s Holifield Science Learning Center (HSLC). Holifield staff review species, ensure they are appropriate for an elementary setting and provide guidance on habitat, care and safety. They periodically visit campus and serve as an ongoing resource for the school.<\/p>\n
The message is clear: teachers cannot simply bring pets from home into classrooms. There is a formal process and established protocol to follow. That oversight ensures animals are properly housed and cared for \u2014 and that students are learning within district guidelines.<\/p>\n
Meet The Residents<\/p>\n
Step inside the Pet Lab at Hughston Elementary in Plano and you\u2019ll find a surprising variety of species:<\/p>\n
\n\tStormy the axolotl, whose tank must stay around 63 degrees
\n\tRocket and Athena, the ferrets students affectionately call \u201cnoodles\u201d
\n\tA hedgehog that slowly uncurls while being held
\n\tTeddy bear hamsters, known for their unusually friendly temperament
\n\tTwo bunnies named Clover and Snowball
\n\tA rapidly growing leopard tortoise
\n\tCrested and leopard geckos
\n\tFire-bellied toads
\n\tGuinea pigs, fish, doves, a hermit crab and more
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\nMembers of the Pet Lab pose with the animals and are joined by Ms Turnbull and Principal Jennifer Caplinger. Photo: Rebecca Silvestri | Local Profile
<\/p>\n
Some animals come through Holifield. Others are carefully rehomed pets surrendered by families who underestimated the commitment certain species require.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people don\u2019t realize turtles can live 70 or 80 years,\u201d Ms. Turnbull says.<\/p>\n
Each animal has a specific care routine. Students are supervised. Hands are washed. Expectations are clear.<\/p>\n
What Students Actually Do<\/p>\n
Fourth- and fifth-graders in the Pet Lab serve one week per month. During that week, they report before school to:<\/p>\n
\n\tFeed animals
\n\tClean habitats
\n\tMonitor water levels and temperatures
\n\tPrepare specialized diets
\n\tObserve behavior and report concerns
<\/p>\n
Ms. Turnbull sets expectations early. \u201cI literally tell them, you are going to clean up poop,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ll give you gloves, but you\u2019re going to clean up poop.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rather than discouraging students, it motivates them. This year alone, dozens of fourth-graders signed up.<\/p>\n
Hughston Principal Jennifer Caplinger sees the impact well beyond animal care.<\/p>\n
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\nSam with Stormy, the axolotl. Photo: Rebecca Silvestri | Local Profile
<\/p>\n
\u200b\u201cIt teaches them empathy,\u201d Caplinger says. \u201cAnd responsibility. You have to get here on time. You have to clean up. You have to take care of something besides yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Younger students can earn passes to assist for the day, mentored by older pet lab participants. Former students \u2014 even middle schoolers \u2014 return during school breaks to help care for the animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of playing video games, they want to come clean out cages,\u201d Ms. Turnbull says.<\/p>\n
More Than A Science Lab<\/p>\n
For some students, the pet lab builds confidence. For others, it helps them overcome fear. Principal Caplinger admits she once hesitated to enter because of the snake.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to get over my fear of coming in here,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
The program also creates leadership opportunities. Students represent Hughston at STEAM events, teaching others about the animals they care for each day.<\/p>\n
The pet lab is supported in part by the school\u2019s PTA, which helps cover food and supply costs. An Amazon wish list shared with families and community members provides additional support for enrichment items and habitat needs.<\/p>\n
Each afternoon before leaving campus, Ms. Turnbull walks through the lab one final time \u2014 checking lights, water and heat.<\/p>\n
It is a significant commitment.<\/p>\n
But inside this room filled with aquariums, habitats and the quiet hum of filters, the lesson goes far beyond reptiles and rodents. It\u2019s about responsibility and empathy. And for nearly 80 students at Hughston Elementary, it starts at 7 a.m. \u2014 long before the first bell rings.<\/p>\n