Rupert will be making special classroom visits later in the year. He will mostly live at Mrs. Malley's house. Rupert is an Indonesian Blue-tongue Skink. He is very gentle. He is not venomous. He is very kid-friendly, and likes to eat bananas, other fruits, greens, dog food, and crickets. Students will not be allowed to hold him at first, until they know how to care for him correctly. Nicolas came after school to meet him, and it was quiet. Nicolas is demonstrating the right way to hold Rupert, making sure he's close to a surface, and his legs and body are supported. I will carefully supervise Rupert's handling. We will not get him out often, so that his presence doesn't detract from our lessons. Since he is dependent upon external heat sources, he is not the kind of pet that can go home for weekend visits. Caring for an animal in the classroom, can help kids learn responsibility and empathy. I hope my students grow in their appreciation for all sorts of living creatures like Rupert.