Mrs. Lorrie Why’s second grade class has a four-legged mascot named Oreo. The black and white kitten – estimated to be five to six months old – seems to have found a home outside her standalone classroom at Johnson Elementary School. For the past few months, the students have been feeding Oreo and little by little, gaining his trust. But now that Easter break is underway, it’s time to find the friendly feline a permanent home.

 

“No one is going to be at school to take care of him,” Why said.

 

It all started with footprints in the snow, discovered in early January.

 

“The custodian told us there was a cat hanging around, but he was so shy, we never saw him,” Why said. “Eventually, one of our service personnel who gets to school early in the morning started putting food out and soon after realizing he had a place to eat, the kitten started showing his face. He stole our hearts and the kids fell in love with him.”

 

Soon, the classroom was flooded with cat food and toys, sent in by parents. The more the students fed and paid attention to Oreo, the more he came around.

 

“Now he rubs on our legs and wants to come in the classroom,” Why said. “He has come full circle.”

 

Since Oreo was already part of the class, Why began incorporating him into curriculum - giving her students writing, grammar and art assignments that revolved around the new classroom pet.

 

Just this week, the class read a story called “One Dark Night” about a stray cat with three kittens that went looking for a home on a stormy night.

 

“My students have written extensions of what happened after the storm was over,” Why said.

 

The classroom has also discussed proper pet care and the importance of spaying and neutering, as well a regular veterinary visits.

 

Other teachers have jumped on board, giving their students related assignments. For that type of creative learning, Johnson Elementary Assistant Principal Heather Holbert gives a nod of approval.

 

“I think our teachers are handling it well. They’re not making it a distraction, but rather finding educational value and tailoring their curriculum,” she said. “They aren’t sitting there looking outside a window; they're making observing and writing assignments related to Oreo and providing educational opportunities for their students.”

 

This isn’t the first time Why’s classroom has been adopted by an animal.

 

“We’ve had deer and bunnies come to the little red building. It’ a popular place,” Holbert said.

 

It’s been fun watching the kitten grow and keeping him happy and healthy, but it is hoped that a member of the community will adopt Oreo and give him a forever home. Why and her students would like to keep in touch with his new owner, sharing updates and photos as he continues to grow and thrive.

 

Anyone interested in adopting this little cat who has provided a unique experience to a classroom of second graders, please email lwhy@access.k12.wv.us.

 

Read about Juno, the class’s pet fawn at this link.