We will begin the school year with a science unit on reptiles.  Our mascot for this unit, as well as a member of our room throughout the year, is a ball python named...
No, he doesn't really have a name.  Some children have affectionately refered to him as Bob, others Snakey, and others Snakey Dude.  He doesn't have a name because Mr. Sauter wants him to be a creature to observe and learn about, not just a classroom pet.  The snake has been a part of Mr. Sauter's classroom for seven years.  The students excitedly observe the snake as he eats, drinks, sheds, slithers, and of course sits under his rock a great deal of the time.  They also enjoy the opportunity to touch and hold him if they wish.  Feel free to come on by and visit "ol' what's his name" sometime soon.