We at Pets in the Classroom are thrilled to share an incredible success story from one of our grant recipients. Kylie Altier, a first-grade teacher at Buchanan Elementary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the 2024 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, credits her achievement in part to a very special classroom member – her classroom pet guinea pig, Marshmallow!

“Just wanted to say thank you so much for my class Guinea pig, Marshmallow! I just won Louisiana State Teacher of the Year and I spoke all through the interview process in the huge impact this grant and little Marshy has had on my students…”

Why Mrs. Altier Got a Class Pet:

When Mrs. Altier moved to Baton Rouge, she encountered a class full of animal lovers. Eager to channel this passion, she thought there was “no better way than getting a pet together.” That’s when Marshmallow, a charming black guinea pig, entered the picture, thanks to the Pets in the Classroom grant.

A Guinea Pig’s Impact:

Marshmallow quickly became more than just a pet; she became a cornerstone of learning and emotional support in Mrs. Altier’s classroom. Here are some highlights from her experience:

• An Election for a Name: The class turned into a bustling Polling Place as they voted on the new pet’s name and also learned how to work at a polling place as they guided voters to their voting booths, gave out stickers after voting, and tallied votes from the ballot boxes.
• Emotional Support: First graders experience many emotions, and Marshmallow has been there through it all. Mrs. Altier notes, “ The number one way Marshy has helped us is that she has become a person we can all lean on. She is a consistent ball of love that can help any child calm down and learn to self-regulate.”
• A Learning Catalyst: Marshmallow isn’t just a pet; she’s a reading buddy, a real-life example for science lessons, and an inspiration for various writing activities.

Student Transformation:

One example of Marshmallow’s impact involves a timid student who rarely spoke at the beginning of the year. By interacting with Marshmallow, this student found her voice. Kylie shares, “I began putting Marshy on her desk each morning and the two of us would talk through Marshy. …The three of us became a little trust circle where we could tell each other everything. She became Marshy’s special helper and always made sure the other students were handling her with care. This sense of responsibility and connection allowed her to blossom in all areas of school. She went from being the quietest in the room to the one confidently leading the room.”

A Teacher’s Advice:

Kylie’s biggest advice to other teachers? “Just do it! You may feel like it will be a huge responsibility, but when you involve your entire class, your new pet will bring nothing but greatness.” She emphasizes the collective responsibility and the immense joy that Marshmallow has brought to the classroom.

Conclusion:

Kylie’s story is a shining example of how Pets in the Classroom can transform not only the educational experience but also the emotional well-being of students. We are incredibly proud to support teachers like Kylie and pets like Marshmallow who make such a significant difference.

“Thank you, Marshy, for teaching us that a good snuggle can change our whole day!”

Learn more about our grant program or share your own story: www.PetsintheClassroom.org.