Most students find laptops, pencils and notebooks in their classrooms. For AP Environmental Science students, they find a giant rabbit named Summer. 

Summer belongs to Upper School science teacher Emily Myhre, who has brought classroom rabbits to multiple schools throughout her teaching career. Myhre believes it is important to have real-life models that represent the material students learn in class. 

“As a life science teacher, I feel it’s important to bring what we’re learning into the classroom to be applicable,” Myhre said. “I think having a class pet helps kind of give me an example to use in the classroom.” 

Summer also gives students an opportunity to take a break from the school day. 

“She kind of helps provide a little bit of a brain break sometimes,” Myhre said. “If they need a moment to sit down and pet her and take a break from whatever it is that’s bothering them, she’s there for that too.” 

Students often visit Summer during breaks or off periods to spend time with her. 

“I think that the bunny creates a good atmosphere, and she just brings happiness,” senior Lucy Kim said. 

Myhre has previously had rabbits in her classrooms, and her positive experiences with them influenced her decision to bring Summer to Greenhill. 

“I’ve had pet rabbits at multiple schools where I’ve taught so far,” Myhre said. “It’s the study of life, and we need to have living creatures and living things around us.” 

Summer is ideal for the classroom because she is calm and enjoys the attention she receives from students. She is also litter-trained and active during the daytime, making her a fitting class pet. 

“When I did my research, I was looking for a pet that would be awake during the day, potty-trainable and not have a lot of allergy issues,” Myhre said. “Rabbits kind of checked those boxes.”  

Summer arrives on Monday morning and usually stays through Friday afternoon. During weekends, holidays and other extended breaks, Summer goes home with Myhre. 

“Rabbits have a constantly moving digestive system, so they have to be able to eat constantly, or else they get sick,” Myhre said. “She needs to have care on a regular basis.” 

Summer has supported students both academically and emotionally throughout the school day.  

“I think it creates an applicable example, but I think she also has social, emotional learning value to the classroom, and she is just a great fit,” Myhre said.