Unusual students may have to find a new school
Updated: July 12, 2012
MONTICELLO -- A recent look at the law states farms animals are not allowed at school. The Metamorphosis Montessori School has been open for 31 years and has unknowingly been breaking the law ever since; first because of goats and now sheep.
Cody Sanantonio works there. She says the animals help her students become caring and responsible adults, and she is not ready to change her curriculum.
"I like Thistle. He always comes up and rubs on you. Sunny is always scared," said Ella Tangen.
The seven year old goes to Metamorphosis where they learn more than just math and geography.
"Research shows that children who do chores on a daily basis are the most successful adults in the world," said Sanantonio.
That is where the sheep come in.
"We call them 'sheep-ple.' We've spoiled them like dogs. They're like a couple of retrievers," said Sanantonio.
"We feed them and water them," said Tangen.
But she may have to start the school year without her furry friends.
"One day a police officer came to my door and said, 'no sheep in Monticello,'" said Sanantonio.
The rule actually states that goats, sheep, pigs and cattle are not allowed within city limits.
"I chuckled. I said, 'Oh, come see them because it's ok. I have an exemption,'" said Sanantonio.
The code of ordinances say there is an exception for educational institutions but police say that only applies to dangerous animals.
"Like a tiger or bear and he said, 'Yes, but no sheep. You have to get ride of them,'" said Sanantonio.
That is not something she or her students are willing to do.
"We're just asking for a little exemption or something for educational institutions to have agriculture in schools," said Sanantonio.
Council members say they are aware that the wording of the ordinance is a little out of date. They are looking to see if it needs changes and will vote on the matter in August.
In the meantime, you can help "Keep the Sheep." Click here to find out how and too see videos of Thistle and Sunny.
Cody Sanantonio works there. She says the animals help her students become caring and responsible adults, and she is not ready to change her curriculum.
"I like Thistle. He always comes up and rubs on you. Sunny is always scared," said Ella Tangen.
The seven year old goes to Metamorphosis where they learn more than just math and geography.
"Research shows that children who do chores on a daily basis are the most successful adults in the world," said Sanantonio.
That is where the sheep come in.
"We call them 'sheep-ple.' We've spoiled them like dogs. They're like a couple of retrievers," said Sanantonio.
"We feed them and water them," said Tangen.
But she may have to start the school year without her furry friends.
"One day a police officer came to my door and said, 'no sheep in Monticello,'" said Sanantonio.
The rule actually states that goats, sheep, pigs and cattle are not allowed within city limits.
"I chuckled. I said, 'Oh, come see them because it's ok. I have an exemption,'" said Sanantonio.
The code of ordinances say there is an exception for educational institutions but police say that only applies to dangerous animals.
"Like a tiger or bear and he said, 'Yes, but no sheep. You have to get ride of them,'" said Sanantonio.
That is not something she or her students are willing to do.
"We're just asking for a little exemption or something for educational institutions to have agriculture in schools," said Sanantonio.
Council members say they are aware that the wording of the ordinance is a little out of date. They are looking to see if it needs changes and will vote on the matter in August.
In the meantime, you can help "Keep the Sheep." Click here to find out how and too see videos of Thistle and Sunny.
