Staying with the animal theme this week, we’re bringing you another tale from the untamed halls of one of our readers. Got a You Can’t Make It Up story involving an encounter with something furry, slimy, or hissing? Drop me a line—I’ll feature it on the blog!
It was the beginning of the school year, and new teachers were enjoying their first day together for orientation. The principal, in his infinite wisdom, decided a building tour would be in order, knowing full well that large high schools can feel like navigating a labyrinth.
The group proceeded through the various departmental wings—math, language arts, fine arts—and finally found themselves in the science wing. The principal was particularly eager to show off the newly renovated lab facilities. As they approached the lab door, he spotted a small black blob on the floor nearby.
Mildly annoyed, he assumed it was a piece of trash that had escaped the watchful eye of the custodial staff. How embarrassing! Trash on the floor when the newbies are touring!
But as he got closer, he quickly realized—oh no—this was not a piece of trash. He abruptly stopped the group, and in that same instant, they all realized what it was—a hissing tarantula had escaped from its cage and was casually enjoying its stroll down the hall!
With nerves of steel (or maybe just a moment of desperation), the principal snatched up a nearby trashcan, plopped it over the eight-legged classroom escapee, and reassured the group that he’d deal with it later. Crisis averted! They carried on, only to enter the classroom and discover the tarantula had a partner in crime—the hissing cockroach had also made a break for freedom and was now standing in as the unofficial greeter at the door!
After a moment of collective “nope-ing” out of there, the group was about to continue on when the next piece of news hit them—the snake was also missing. Yes, friends, every single resident of the science lab had decided they, too, were overdue for a summer vacation and had pulled a full-on “Nemo’s aquarium” escape.
But not to worry—the snake was eventually found. The custodian, bless his heart, had gone to retrieve some items from the Family and Consumer Science classroom dryer, only to discover that the load was moving. Yup, somehow, the snake had decided to take up temporary residence in the washer or dryer and emerged clean and springtime fresh, ready for the new school year. Nothing like a freshly laundered serpent to start your day, right?
Animal friends are great to have in schools, but every now and then, they add some unexpected adventure when they decide to fly the coop!
Key Takeaways: Handling “You Can’t Make It Up” Moments of the Escaped Species Variety:
Emergency preparedness extends to the classroom pets: Make sure every animal enclosure is secure, especially before special events like tours or open houses. A routine check at the end of each day (or at least before breaks) can prevent unexpected critter encounters.
Develop a clear protocol for animal-related incidents: Whether it’s a designated staff member (like the science teacher) or a quick reference guide for dealing with different species, everyone should know who to call—and how to safely handle the situation—if an animal escapes.
Communicate with all staff members: Ensure that custodial staff, teachers, and administrators know which animals are in the building and what to do if one is missing. A simple “heads-up” about classroom pets can avoid a lot of confusion and drama.
Invest in regular cage inspections and maintenance: Whether it’s upgrading enclosures or adding additional locks, preventive measures are key. Consider routine checks by staff to ensure habitats are secure, especially when the classroom will be unsupervised for extended periods (like over summer break).
Follow district policies for having animals in the classroom: It’s important to ensure that any animals brought into the school setting comply with district guidelines, which often include rules about safety, student allergies, and proper care. Checking these policies in advance can prevent issues and help protect both staff and students.
While animals can be a great educational tool, they also require thoughtful planning and communication to ensure the school environment remains safe and stress-free for everyone. Having protocols in place, communicating with your team, and regularly checking enclosures can help keep your animal residents—and your staff—happy and secure.
Dodging hissing tarantulas, capturing cagey cockroaches, and pulling freshly laundered snakes from the dryer—just another typical school day! You Can’t Make It Up!
Jane
