I'm sure Ms Backman takes great care of Lemon, but the duck has no place in the class. First off, I don't care how much she cleans, it's not healthy. Children need to have seperate tables at lunch if they bring in peanut butter due to others having allergies. The school system is trying to prevent health issue for children, which is the right thing to do.
Secondly, she's supposed to be teaching. That's what the parents (and tax payers) are expecting her to do. Instead she caring for the duck during her class. Stopping lessons to attend to the duck, having the children pick up the feathers.... The duck is the centerpiece of the classroom. As a parent, the children should be the centerpiece.

Superintendent Lusi is doing the right thing, the healthy thing. I, for one, will be showing my support for the decision to keep Lemon out of the classroom. I'm sure I am not alone.

Feather allergys can be easily triggered by down filled coats, pillows and cushions, all are unlikely to be as clean as a well looked after duck. I am sure many children come to school with traces of dog or cat hair on them. The positive benefits of having a therapy animal in the classroom should be easily seen to overcome any downside. Accomodation of differences is a vital skill to learn, one that will have benefits through life. Primary school children need to learn that they should be able to accept disabilities, be able to focus on positives- and that includes learning. The other point to make is that childern are not delicate precious little things, they are robust learning machines, and need as many experiences as possible to equip them for adult life.

Your thinking is one sided. You cannot believe the benefit to the children to be able to have the responsibility of having to care for another living thing. This is a real life lesson that may not be happening in their home setting. This is a hands on approach to teaching kindness, tolerance, responsibility, building trust, and having compassion for both people and animals that are handicapped. It can help eliminate the fear associated with the handicapped. Lemon touching their life may lead to their willingness to reach out to other that are less fortunate. It will help them build confidence in themselves. Reading about it is one thing---Living it has much more impact. The greatest rewards come from giving. If Ms Backman is willing at her expense to modify the classroom than she should be allowed to keep Lemon there.

Being the mother of a disabled child myself, I would have loved to have this duck in not only one of her classrooms, but "all" of her classrooms while she was attending elementary school.
Having a disabled duck or another ailing animal in the classroom will show, and teach the children to have respect, tolerance, and understanding that there are living things in this world that need extra care, help, and it might even help with the growing bullying issues that are starting to arise in this nation. It's dis-heartening to see that this school would rather leave the duck outside in mother natures elements where anything could happen to it just to keep a few feathers out of the air ducts....Please! If there are so many feathers, then why not cover the duct opening in the classroom with a light-weight fabric of some kind that way it won't get into the whole school system. And as for the allergies issues, those most likely are along the lines that Ms. Russell above stated...dog/cat dander, or even the down jackets, pillows, or it could have been a change in laundry soaps, etc., etc., I have raised many ducks over the last six years, and have yet to have any kind of reactions to them, or see them carry any kind of diseases, they are the most cleanliness of animals I have ever seen. They are a very good learning tool for all.

I think the lessons learnt here by the children are monumental and as others far out way a few stray feathers. The Children learn responsibility in helping to care for Lemon and also compassion in caring for a disabled animal. Children can sometimes be (unintentionally) cruel when it comes to a child that is "different" then they are and Lemon if a good teaching tool showing that difference doesn't matter and that showing love and compassion are paramount. A friend of mine operates a rescue geared to disabled ducks and chickens, most of which were harmed by children that didn't know how to handle animals or simply were never taught. I think the feather issue can be handled by filters on the vent or even a ionic air purifiers, electrostatic air filter, and electronic hepa air cleaners to the classroom. The advantages would far out way the cost.

Bottom-line, is that RIDE has a curriculum that Ms Backman should be following. I'm sure that last time anyone looked, it didn't involve caring for a duck. The duck is a disruption to the learning environment. Regardless of what expenses Ms Backman is willing to pickup, Lemon should not be allowed into a classroom. I understand it is a good thing for children to see the real issues that exist, but not at the risk of taking away from the educational development of the children.

One side point of view?? As a parent (and as someone paying her salary), I am entitled to that point of view. And as a parent, I will fight for what I feel is best for my children - learning, health, etc.

If she wants to bring in Lemon on occasion and give the children updates here and there, that is more realistic. The Potter League went to Hathaway last year and I know the children that got see the presentation took a lot of way from that. However, the Potter League does not need to be there every day. Bringing Lemon in daily will and does cause a disruption.

Show me evidence of how this is helping my child's educational development. I would like to see how her classrooms compare to those of the same grades through Portsmouth.

I got to agree with Portsmouth Daddy. And I don't thiink it's one-sided.

We're talking about a school not a zoo. 180 days of learning. If she wants to bring Lemon in on occassion, as mentioned above, yeah. Day to day?? That's not right.

I too would like to see some evidence of the classroom performance.

And, I noticed all the comments came though at the same time. Did someone prompt all you?

Oneside? Look in the mirror

The valuable lessons taught by having Lemon in the classroom are immeasurable. If one works or studies alongside a person or animal with a disability, over time the differences become less important than what is in the heart. Lemon conveys that lesson in a most touching way. Housing Lemon outside reinforces the message that those who are different are to be kept separate, not a part of mainstream life.

It’s worth emphasizing that Ms. Backman bathes Lemon frequently and has offered to pay for extra cleaning or modification of the vents to prevent the feathers from collecting there. The feather issue is easily resolvable.

Lemon’s story is beloved by people across the country. I hope the superintendent reconsiders this unfortunate and unnecessary change in policy. The unintended consequence of this action is to teach children all the wrong messages about care, protection, and inclusion of those with special needs.

They are worried about one clean duck because of a few feathers? What about roaches, mice, rats and all their droppings that I'm sure are all over the school ventilation system. And lets not forget each year thousands of schools across the US buy fertile duck and chicken eggs to hatch out in the classroom to teach children the miracle of birth and don't think twice about feathers or allergies. I have quite a few of these classroom hatching projects that were no longer wanted and were dumped at parks or taken to shelters.

I think having Lemon in the classroom is an excellent way to teach children compassion and that just because you're handicapped doesn't mean you're not special. I have several handicapped ducks and chickens and I take them to nursing homes, schools and hospitals and I have had nothing but positive feedback. I especially notice kids with autism open up and smile, elderly dementia patients who don't ever talk or make eye contact, when a duck is placed in their lap, they look up and smile. I got the idea from Lemon.

Children open up around animals, shy kids all of a sudden become talkative and eager to learn. I think taking Lemon out of the classroom would be a huge disadvantage to the children and to Lemon.

I've seen first hand the benefits that the children in her class recieve from Lemon - before you decide, you may try to volunteer in her classroom or go along w/ Laura on her many visits when she volunteers as a pet therapist @ other schools & special education classes. On one of her private visits she brought Lemon to a little boy that was severely handicapped & had breathing tubes along with blood pressure monitoring equipment- he could only move one index finger which he used to pet Lemon. His father stated that was the first time he'd seen his son 's blood pressure lowered so well & that he was so relaxed. You may also want to speak w/ the children who have experienced Lemon's participation in the classroom or read the book to understand what Laura is trying to accomplish. You might want to know that ALL proceeds from the sales of her book are donated to The Multiple Sclerosis Society & the Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary. You may also want to know that there have been NO complaints about Lemon in the classroom according to Dr.Luci. I'm am Laura's mom & I'm very proud of how she made "lemonade out of Lemons" . I wonder why school systems that are turning the school experience into a sterile situation by reducing the arts, music & team programs because of tight budgets would want to do away w/ this absolutely free learning situation for their children?

I hope we can hear from the parents of some children who were in Ms. Backman's class in prior years. I would think that having the handicapped duck there would be very enriching to the classroom environment. These are second graders - children who are interested in animals and who are in the midst of setting life-long attitudes. What a wonderful time to enrich their learning experience with a therapy pet who can help them think through issues of responsibility, caring, living with the differently-abled, along with the biology lessons related to animals, anatomy, simple genetics. I suspect that Lemon is not a distraction for the class but rather an attraction - piquing the students' interests and expanding their attention spans. A clever and caring teacher can certainly use Lemon's presence and situation to illustrate and motivate learning of the prescribed second-grade curriculum - not reducing time for that curriculum but rather increasing its impact.

How sad that the administrator did not simply talk to Ms. Backman about the issue so that the two of them could come up with a good solution to the ventilation problem. This is really a question of how to ensure the richest learning environment within the school district's budget - while the parents and public are interested in that goal, methods of meeting the goal should be determined by the educators. I hope that they will now be able to revisit the decision, given there has now been time for reflection.

I am the parent of a student who just completed 2nd grade, and I can say that the duck was a complete distraction to my child. I was in Ms. Backman's class as a volunteer, and I found myself watching the duck roam around in it's little contraption more than anything else. How is a 7 year old supposed to focus on anything else? Everything is that classroom is focused on the duck. I have a real problem with a math lesson being stopped so the duck can have a diaper change, and with the children being rewarded for how many duck feathers they collect...real examples by the way.

For me the issue is not about the cleanliness...I believe that duck bathes regularly. It is not that I discriminate against ducks or animals in general even...I have many pets that I love and who are treated like members of the family. However, they do not go to work with me and I can only imagine my boss' reaction tot he idea. I think it is a great life lesson to teach tolerance, patience, responsibility, about special needs, etc., all the "positives" addressed in the other comments.

Bring the duck in once in a while...great lessons learned for the class. But every day of the week?? Every week of the year?? The day-to-day focus should be more on the CHILDREN and less on the DUCK. If the duck is allowed to stay, I will certainly be requesting that my up-and- coming 2nd grader be put with a different teacher. Just another viewpoint from the other side...

As the pet parent to a dachshund who is disabled, some of the comments about animals sounding like they are "less than" upsets me greatly. Lemon has been in the classroom full time for all these years being of such great service to these children. In my opinion those children who had the distinct honor of being in Lemon's presence day in and day out during the year, will likely be some of the most compassionate, tolerant, and patient children.
To put Lemon outside now after all these years of being in the prescense of the children on a daily basis is cruel and inhumane. And as Vicki T. said they will indeed send the wrong message to children- and confuse them.
It seems so silly that the feathers are the issue and it can be so easily fixed- it really makes no sense.
The experience of Lemon with the children is something I know without a doubt will stay with them FOREVER. Children remember my dachshund 2-3 years later after they meet her AND remember in detail what she taught them. Lemon being with the children day in and day out is a DAILY reminder to these kids of compassion, kindness, tolerance, patience, non-judgment... and the list goes on. We all need to be reminded on a daily basis of all these things and children more so... just as my dachshund reminds me everyday of all these things.
It saddens me greatly that so many still view animals as "animals." They are living, breathing beings, and teach us so much about life.

I believe very strongly that Lemon the Duck should be allowed to be inside the classroom with the children and his owner.....if Ms. Backman is willing to assist with the feather problem, I do not see why Lemon cannot be allowed to be inside.

I think we need to ask ourselves the questions, "How important are the lessons that Lemon the Duck teaches the children, anyway? are compassion, understanding, respect and tolerance personality traits that I wish MY child would learn?" If Laura Backman is willing to modify the ventilation system, I think the answers are as clear as the ventilation system should be after it is modified.

My daughter will be attending Mrs. Backman's class this year. She is upset and disappointed. She wrote Dr. Lusi a letter about how importaint it was to her that Lemon be there for her and her classmates. There was no formal response to the letter.
I think if there was a challenge with Lemon being in the classroom why didn't Portsmouth Daddy talk with Mrs. Backman, Dr. Martin or Dr. Lusi directly BEFORE the school year was over?
Also this is about duck feathers. Were there other feathers in the vents? How many were duck feathers? Is this the first time feathers were found? It's a shame that a little extra cleaning outweighs teaching responsibility and compassion.

In response to Susan lewis, I must say that while I respect your opinion, I must disagree that you are comparing your CHILD with a disability to DUCK with one. I actually have no problem with your daughter being in a class with my child--I send my child to school to interact with CHILDREN and it is great to be exposed to those with disabilities and those without. When I want my child to interact daily with a DUCK, we visit a farm or someone's house who keeps one as a pet.

To Ms. Thayer who will have a child in the class this year, the duck seemed like an asset to me too until I realized first hand that it is ALL about the duck. Sounds like Voice of Reason noticed that too.

To Portsmouth Daddy,
I understand your concern about having appropriate material in the classroom for teaching your child, but lets not forget that these are second graders we are talking about. At this stage, most of their learning is done by demonstration and hands on, not book studying or lectures. Having Lemon in the classroom affords the opportunity to build lessons ON THE CURRICULUM that are interesting for the children. Social Studies, if that is still what they call it, is a perfect example. Even a math lesson can become more interesting for the children if something they ARE interested in is incorporated into the lesson. Children at that age, are very receptive to learning by association. I would be curious to know how the scores of Ms. Blackmans students compare to the other second graders. It wouldn't surprise me if those children in her class have scores above the others. I say let the modifications to the ductwork take place, and leave Lemon in the classroom.

Mrs.Backman states that Lemon is an asset to her classroom.
I strongly disagree!!! My child was in Mrs. Backman's class this past year. I told my wife on more then one occasion that I thought the duck was a large distraction to both the children and in particular Mrs. Backman. The whole environment and culture of that classroom revolved around Lemon. I don't believe the children received the fair amount of attention from Mrs. Backman as they would have in another classroom. I am not alone in thinking this. More than one parent has stated to me since the school year finished that they thought the same thing.
In hindsight, I should have switched classrooms for my child this past year to another non-distracted teacher. But, to be honest with you, I didn't realize it was such a problem to later in the year. By then, my child was settled in the classroom. It was a co-taught classroom and this was a benefit to my child as a whole. As for the heath concerns of the class, each time I went into my child's class it seemed to smell pretty bad. There were feathers that were collected off the floor and put in a jar. I wonder if there could be a legal issue around the health issue here? In closing, I want all to know I think the correct decision is to keep Lemon out of the classroom.She was a distraction to Mrs. Backman and the children as well as a possible legal health issue.

Lemon should certainly be allowed to remain in the classroom. The benefits to be garnered from having an animal there & the many life lessons to be learned from it (& most especially in Lemon's case!) are invaluable. For crying out loud somebody just cut a piece of screening & put it over or behind the air vent!
Long live Lemon!

What this teacher is doing is amazing. Teaching in such a creative, instructive, and therapeutic way is rare and deserving of praise. I grew up feeling awkward and uncomfortable around people with severe disabilities but Mrs. Backman's kids will not have this obstacle. Daily exposure and bonding with this little duck will teach these children the life-long lesson that we are all so much more than our outer package~~who we are is on the inside and that should never be forgotten. It will help them develop compassion, not just for animals, but for other humans as well. Taking time to care for someone who cannot care for themselves even in the most basic ways will help them develop unselfishness, patience, and responsibility. Mrs. Backman is willing to pay for the necessary modifications to protect those who would be inconvenienced by Lemon's presence. What more of a solution to the problem is needed? Why take away such a valuable teaching tool when the issue can be so easily solved?

I would love to see such sensitivity and thoughtful instruction in every classroom. PLEASE don't take away from these children something that will change their hearts and lives forever just because of some feather dust. Lessons that touch the heart last forever.

A daily lesson of compassion is of much higher value than most of what else is taught in elementary school. There are a large number of human beings in this world who are like Lemon, and are shut away, out of sight, out of mind, alone and ignored. To put Lemon outside, in the cold where she could die, because she is inconvenient or a bother, is the opposite of what children should be learning.
A society can be judged by how they treat the most helpless members within it. Leonardo.

I want to thank everyone for their insightful comments on this issue and contributing to the conversation. I do want to remind readers to please be respectful to others when commenting. Thank-you.

Fact: Backman was told by Dr Lusi to leave the duck home-She should honor that request
Fact: People have alleries to duck feathers
Fact: Backman has done a great job caring for Lemon
Fact; Parents have complained about Lemon in the class
Fact: lessons have been interupted due to Backman's caring for Lemon
Fact: Backman carries Lemon around like an infant - what will happen if she suddenly needs to attend to a actual student
Fact: No one here is saying anything negative about anyone or anything with disabilities - people are reading wayyy too much in it
Fact: Children mature with age = learning compassion as they grow (animals in the class do not make a diff.)
Fact: People aren't using their real names because we live in a small town (talk about awkward!!)
Fact: No One has been able to produce any evidence (actual facts) that backs up having Lemon in the classroom is beneficial
Fact: We're not getting funding from the state, one disgruntled parent calls the RI Dept of Ed, and Dr Lusi will have a crap storm that she really doesn't need. Politics 101 (Susan Lewis, you may want to let your husband know about that one).
Fact: Laura Dennis, look up the state laws about a school building curriculum. I'll help out you - not allowed.
Bottom-line, many of the posters here have an emotional tie to Lemon and that situation. Many have taken it too personal & it didn't need to go there. Yeah, I know who most you are and I don't care. I am entitled my my Voice (of Reason)

Wow, just getting caught up... First, off can we all check our emotions. People need to put their emotions aside - no need to call another poster out (you're embarrassing yourself for future in person meetings).

Second, as many of you noted you contact Dr Lusi and did not get a response. So on the flip side, how can you say someone did not get that same treat when he/she complained?

Third, I know people have called me out about mentioning RIDE and Ms. Backman's curriculum. See, I did check into it. In order to teach a class that goes against the standards of RIDE, a teacher must present a written cirriculum to the state and present that to a state board of educators ( I did my homework). If she had done that, I can guarantee that would be documented in this story.

Lastly, Lemon appears to be Ms. Backman's main focus. This does take away from the children, and Hathaway school.

As an active member of the community, I have spoke to numerous parents that were told glowing things about Ms Backman's previous class..... up to last yr. During 2009-2010, parents were not pleased about the level of effort given by Ms Backman. Do you honestly think this is really just about feathers? Dr Lusi is too much of a professional to comment or bring this disucssion to the public. I know during the end of year survey, I mentioned that I do not feel it's appropriate to have a duck in the classroom.

We does Dr Lusi draw the line? Is it ok to have a teacher bring an infant with disabilites to the classroom? How about a dog, a cat, or lizard?

What would happen if a child drop a book (accidently) on Lemon during class? What about the emotional issues of the children then? And how do you think the other children would treat that child?

Ms Backman carries Lemon throughout the halls. What would happen if a child feel and slipped on 1 of Lemon's feathers? First off, Ms Backman, would not be able to attend to the child's needs right away as she is carrying Lemon. As someone with medical training, valuable seconds would be taken away from our children's needs.

What if there was a child that flat out didn't like animals? He/she could hurt Lemon. Then how is liable?

I'm sorry, but I work with numbers, policy, and hard evidence all day long. Therefore, until I see otherwise, I do know from other parents that the level of education provided this past school yr was below the standards Ms Backman had set for herself in the past. I think Ms Backman may have been working in a gray area since 2006. But as we all know, sooner or later the truth comes out. I think the truth was delivered Dr Lusi.

One more thing that I really didn't want to bring up, but it's obvious. And I really don;t want anyone reading in this or misinterrupting it. But we all know that will happen, so I apologize in advance if I offend anyone.

If Lemon is so good with children that have disabilities, and seeing as Lemon has recieved awards from the Newport County Special Education Department, then why is Ms Backman and Lemon at Hathway? Meville is the town's school dedicated to children with special needs. Shouldn't they be at Meville?

Still think this is only about feathers?

I don't have a kid in Ms. Backman's class. Someone please educate me, does the duck wander free around the classroom all day, or in a cage, or carried around? I think that would make a difference on how distracting Lemon is to the classroom.

I know that a classroom has kids with all different kinds of learning styles and abilities, including those for whom the duck would be a distraction to their attention capacities when lessons are being given. What about those kids? My kid is in college now, but struggled mightily with serious attention issues in the elementary grades. I have no doubt I would have complained if a cute duck was roaming the classroom while my kid was supposed to be learning math or reading.

Reading all these heated comments, I would like to impart a note to Susan Lewis:

This is the internet. These comments are accessible to literally billions of people around the world. To convince yourself, google the following:

"susan lewis" portsmouth

There you are at the top of the search, right here on Portsmouth Patch. This is a comment blog on a local news website. It is not a public school committee meeting, or town council meeting, or official hearing of any kind. If a person wishes voice their opinion, yet remain private for whatever reason, I believe that is their right on the internet.

I also believe it does not diminish the validity of that opinion at all. Earnest people of good intent should be able to comment, without revealing personally identifying information to the entire planet. Please accept that.

I'm a past parent, frequent volunteer of Ms. Backman’s, and an educator. I applaud her teaching. My child was eager and motivated to learn every day and Lemon was a big part of that. Lemon was an approved project---with a disability outcome. It should be a joint venture between teacher and school system to take responsibility, not only to teach children important lessons but because it's the right thing to do. Ms. Backman's been proactive with Lemon’s inclusion: specific goals, GLE connections, Vet clearance, professional endorsements, Pet Assisted Therapy training, etc. She's stated that Lemon's a safe way to talk about disabilities every day, to move children beyond empathy, into empowerment and inclusion of the disabled. She carries Lemon like an infant because the duck can’t walk. She doesn’t carry her around all day and doesn’t put Lemon before her students. Hathaway's past administrator supported Lemon’s full inclusion-- Ms. Backman’s teaching is NOT in question. Insinuations otherwise are misguided. Animals are being introduced to the classrooms through K.I.T.E.S. science kits all the time and they too have GLEs connected to them, and are also valuable learning experiences. There have been children with allergies, for which accommodations are made, without bashing the experience or the teacher. There’s another important difference too, these animals are disposed of (killed), once the Portsmouth School System decides their learning value is over.

I am responding to "Voice of Reason"s last comment and I will speak no further on this subject. I do not care if people know who I am because I stand proud behind every opinion I have ever voiced. I do not care if my name is searched on the internet and people read what I have to say on a particular subject as I always say what I mean and I mean what I say. I do not care that this is a small town and whether or not someone knows how I feel about something. Like you... I do not really care what people think about me as long as I can lay my head down at night with a clear conscience.
As for your bringing my husband into the fold... we do not tell each other what to say, what to think, and what to do. If you have something to say to him... you are free to tell him yourself as I am not a messenger. If you choose to judge him by my opinions and my actions, I cannot stop you, but you should know that we are not one person sharing one brain. I will tell you that he is not a politician doing or saying things merely for political gain. He is a good man who is intelligent and has much to offer this community. In closing... if you take issue with my voice or my opinions, then please do so with me as I have provided my real name and I am not difficult to locate - you may even know me. If you have a question or comment for or about my husband, please speak with him directly. Until his name appears with his comments on this board you should not include him in this discussion.

To :Voice of Reason
I've read all of you comments. You keep giving diggers to other peoples families. YOU also asked "Why are you STUPID PEOPLE debating the issue!!!"
Do you realize how silly you sound?
This is where people are disscussing this subject. Plus, YOU seem to have posted at least 5 times so far.
If you don't want to listen to poeples oppions, then go disscus some thing somewhere else. And, the the way you talk TO and ABOUT people...........
It IS a good idea to Hide behind your Voice of Reason.

Priscilla ,
we don't always agree on things. In fact I'm sure of that.
But, I do respect your opinion as well as Susan's opinion.
I'm not afraid to let people know how I feel about Lemon. She is a distraction to in the classroom to both Mrs. Backman and the children. I also think she is a health issue.
I don't think she belongs in the classroom. Please read my previous post.
Yes, I would meet anyone else on this Blog to talk over this issue face to face.

Hello
I have read all the posts both good and bad. Our family has been involved in waterfowl rescue and working with urban , domestic and wild ducks and geese for almost 12 years. I deal with the legalities of these birds in all settings from small urban areas to large metropolitan areas.
I feel that many things are being overlooked here.. First and foremost is that Lemon was a class project 4.5 yrs ago and has been in the School system since that time.. with no complaints or health issues.
Secondly.. feathers in teh Ventilation system SHOULD be there.. that means the system is working and the intakes will pull feathers away from classrooms to the filters.. where they should be .. along with human hair , skin, bacterias, viruses and dog or cat hair and any other air borne items that get into the system.. so feathers in the ventilation system is simply not a valid concern.
I would have no problem finding plenty of HVAC specialists , pediatricians, and Allergists to refute any health claims made that Lemon is a risk in anyway shape or form.
As far as a distraction. My personal experience is that 2nd graders by nature are dis tractable. The are distracted by their own minds.. and the world in general. I feel the benefits out weigh the negatives in this case... I do think there may be some children who would not benefit from Having lemon in THEIR class and those children could be placed in another class.
Please fell free to email me with info youd like to share.

We will be Advocating for Lemon and Ms Backman on this matter and would welcome all view points , experiences regarding Lemon and information anyone would care to share with us.

This situation was avoidable and I hope to help all parties come to a timely positive resolution that benefits the children, Lemon and Ms Backman... So everyone can get on with the school year.

Please feel free to email us at katiesplace@mail.com

You may sign a petition to Get Lemon back in School at
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/LemonTheDuck/

Join the Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Let-Lemon-the-Duck-Back-in-School/149849205044709?ref=ts

Thank you.

The anti-duck sentiments expressed in these comments are wonderful examples of why children graduate with little education, less tolerance, and a wildly inflated sense of entitlement. The world is not "For Humans Only", education can not exist when every experience, every subject, every moment must be sanitized so as to not offend some parent, or raise some parents personal phobia that their child might enter a world that is not sanitized to clean room standards, or suggest in any way that their child is not the center of the teachers , classroom, and schools attention or sin of all sins, their tax dollar is not spent totally on their child to their satisfaction. My tax dollar is certainly not spent to my satisfaction. And "Parents" do not fund their children's education, "Property Owners" do with our property taxes. Something that does not increase with the number of children you send to school. Something that does not stop when our children no longer attend school, or for which there is no exemption because you do not have, or never did have children. So get off your sanctimonious soup box about your dollar paying the teachers salary. You personally pay a minor percentage of the cost of you child's education.

I now agree - Lemon is a distraction. Her plight has kept me distracted for days :-D.
Please think back to everything you learned in school. How much did you retain? What sorts of things did you retain? You retained what held your interest, didn't you?
My father was an archeologist and for several years, director of museums for our state historical society. We went along on his rounds - slid down banisters, handled artifacts and asked questions. We lived on an intact plantation and played in the former slave quarters, and on a carriage that was being restored in our barn. Guess what? history was my worst subject in school. I found it insufferably dry and boring. I retained none of it. And yet, I not only remember what I learned on those trips, I reinforced it in my play.

It is well known that children retain best by physically doing. Passive learning ( what they do in school), especially rote memorization, is the poorest method of teaching there is - but it is cheap. That is why it is done.

Ms Backman didn't win awards by bringing in some mindless distraction into the classroom. She won them because she knows a thing or two about teaching. It's a crying shame her school and some of the parents do not.

Children Adapt and will realize in time, IT WAS RIGHT TO DO! As Adults do make the rules for children to follow! A SMART REASON to ME! Distraction is Distraction too! not only what I have added for fruition, but "SCHOOL" Buses have rules too, and #1. is NO! Pets, Lizards, etc. allowed... for many reasons, so why is the SCHOOL Classroom any different... LOOK! at the School Manuel and you will see what I mean. The Memory of Lemon won't be forgotten but" LEARNED" by, and isn't that what SCHOOL is all about anyway!? Rules are NOT made to be BROKEN! This too shall pass as it should! There are lots more important issues to learn in school, without habits to consider of a pet. There will be an end to this solution also, maybe home where pets usually are! :) Peace and Blessings! P.S. Portsmouth is a small town, but Lovely to be in, and the People must make it BETTER... Too many are rude and well known. That too must change! Good Luck on this so-called situation at hand, and on F.B.!!! *(FACE BOOK)

To Whom it may Concern at Hathaway Elementary School System;
Please consider alternatives that would allow Lemon to remain in Laura's classroom because of the huge educational advantage that would be reduced if Lemon was to be placed outside. Out of sight is out of mind. So much is missed in the hours away from the classroom animals. Little things like a ducky yawn that may never be witnessed when Lemon is outside stimulate learning in ways that cannot be achieved from other classroom tools, and certainly there is no greater excitement than watching a hen lay her egg in person.

Lemon gives the students and their families so much more than a boost in their science, arithmetic, language, art, and social study skills. When spending time day in and day out with an animal; especially a disabled one, children learn social skills, empathy, and a respect for life. The unconditional love of an animal touches the hearts of children who struggle themselves from many problems including disabilities, family troubles, and family financial troubles. She brings hope to many and a desire to learn. I'd bet Laura's classroom has a higher attendance record than any other! I'd also bet that the kids testing skills are higher than classrooms without animals. Again, please find a way to keep Lemon inside. Thanks, Becka

Lorraine
I don't remember saying my son had a positive experience or that Lemon was an asset to his classroom. If I did, it was before I realized how terrible the situation with Lemon in the classroom really was. Too much time was wasted in that classroom around Lemon. She was a distraction in the classroom to both Mrs. Backman and the children. I also think she is a health issue. I don't think she belongs in the classroom on a daily basis. I am willing to compromise however. I am willing to see Lemon in the classroom twice a month for just a few hours in the afternoon. This would allow the students to have an opportunity to learn from Lemon and her disability. In short - No Daily Duck, Yes to Limited Lemon.

I have read all of these comments. How anyone could not see the benifits of having this beautiful animal in the classroom is beyond me. My children are all grown up, but if they were still in school I would have loved for them to be in the classroom with Lemon. It is sad so many people are blinded to the meaning of the learning experience Lemon provides. What a child would gain by having her in the classroom is far more valuble than any mandatory schedule of learning. However, I'm sure they are learning whatever is required of them. Mrs. Backman, I aplaud you! A teacher like you may come once in a lifetime. I'm sorry, there is no other way to put this: The people that do not want Lemon in the classroom are totally wrong! Open your eyes to the fact that this is a special teacher that you should feel privileged to have her teaching your child! When my grandchildren start school, I hope they will have the opportunity to be in a classroom with a teacher like Mrs. Beckman. I believe in you Mrs. Beckman, and I believe in Lemon! Bless you both!

I know I'm late in the conversation, but I just stumbled across this article. Ms. Backman is a wonderful teacher! My daughter loves her and Lemon. From my personal observations, I have never seen Lemon as a distraction, only as an asset (I've never seen her carried all day like a baby, nor is she allowed free reign in the classroom). Ms. Backman gives individual attention and instruction to each student. That's not an easy task (with or without a duck). I'm thankful my child has such a caring, loving, supportive teacher. Please don't be so quick to judge. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I just wonder how many dissenters actually went to the classroom to observe or to talk to Ms. Backman to see what goes on in there. I was pleasantly surprised. Laura Backman has our full support and I only hope that my younger daughter is assigned to her class as well.