Update: Lemon the Duck to Remain Out of the Classroom

School began last Wednesday with one member who was noticeably absent—Lemon the Duck.

Lemon, the well-known Pekin duck born with a neurological condition,was housed last year in the second-grade classroom of Laura Backman at Hathaway Elementary School.

The superintendent has asked Backman, who is the owner of Lemon and a second-grade teacher, to house the duck outside after discovering feathers in the school's ventilation system. Some of the feathers have traveled to other classrooms, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Lusi.

Lusi said recently that a Boy Scout troop has agreed to build an outdoor shelter for Lemon. The school department has also given Lemon permission to visit the classroom once a week.

"Lemon will be visiting once a week for about 60 to 90 minutes in the class," Lusi said. "A Boy Scout troop has offered to build a structure outside."

According to Lusi, Lemon was housed several years ago in an outdoor pen at Mellville Elementary School due to another teacher's allergy to duck feathers.

However, Backman previously said she disagreed with the school department's decision to not keep Lemon in the classroom.

Lemon the Duck is not a classroom pet, but a pet-assisted therapy duck who has become an active part of the classroom curriculum, according to the second-grade teacher.

Lemon uses a stroller with wheels to move around. Her neurological condition, which is similar to cerebral palsy, makes it difficult for the duck to balance and lift her neck. She also experiences neck spasms.

The Pekin duck helps children build self-esteem and an understanding of others with disabilities, says Backman, who is certified in professional pet-assisted therapy through the Community College of Rhode Island.

Children also develop literacy skills by reading to the four-year-old duck, as well as writing about their feathery friend in journals.

"Lemon was the most popular subject written about in their journals last year," Backman previously said.

The students also read from "Lemon the Duck," the book written by Backman in 2006 not long after Lemon was hatched at Hathaway Elementary School. The book is dedicated to Backman's late father, Richard Backman, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for many years. 

Support for Lemon the Duck has poured in. Backman has received e-mails and letters from all over, including letters from the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association and parents of former students. 

An online petition has also been created with 100 names already signed. To view or sign the petition, click here.

A Facebook page has also been created to oppose the decision to keep Lemon out of the classroom. The view the Facebook page, click here.

Backman, a teacher for eight years, says she will "try to manage" this school year with Lemon housed outside.

Further information about Lemon, Backman and the "Lemon the Duck" book can be found by clicking here.