Gone But Not Fur-gotten

On a quiet, rainy afternoon on April 2, the Grove Campus flower bed near the entrance became the final resting place of a beloved MST community member: Sammy the Hamster. A funeral was held in his honor, attended primarily by Willow students and teachers. They gathered to pay tribute to the small creature who made a big impact.

Sammy had been part of the Willow class for four years, ever since a group of Willow students brought him to MST. The group had researched class pets, created a skit, budgeted for his care, and presented their idea to the Head of School, successfully earning the green light to adopt Sammy from a local pet store. What began as a student-led project soon became a cherished part of daily life in Willow class.

Sammy’s Great Escape

His life, though short, was full of adventure. Perhaps most memorable was his great escape. On the last day before summer break one year, Sammy broke out of his cage and disappeared. He was missing for an entire month, sparking a campus-wide hamster hunt complete with handmade traps and regular check-ins. Then, in a dramatic and joyful twist, Sammy was discovered in a kitchen bin.

Sammy’s health declined before this year’s spring break, and he was diagnosed with cancer which is a common cause of death in older hamsters. Despite this, he made it through the break, spending his final days peacefully at Willow teacher Kelly’s home, where he passed away on the last day of the holiday.

Saying Farewell

Sammy the Hammy crew underneath the cranes made in his honor by the Willow class.

His funeral was organized by Willow students who folded and handed out paper cranes to those in attendance. The service concluded with the entire Willow class in a heartfelt group hug. Sammy’s main caretakers, the Hamster Group: Aska, Evan, and Anna, were part of the original team that brought him to MST, and remained dedicated to his care throughout his life. Over the years, Sammy visited ten different Willow families, including frequent stays with the Nishikawa and the Musgrave families, who hosted him the most.

The service was filled with anecdotes and laughter, such as the time Sammy scurried into a student’s shoe. These stories were not just amusing but reflected the bond the children had formed with him.

A Montessori Pet

In Montessori education, class pets like Sammy play a purposeful role. They foster responsibility, empathy, and a connection to the natural world. The decision to welcome a class pet is grounded in Montessori principles such as respect for life, practical life education, and nurturing independent learners. Sammy was not just a hamster. He was a teacher, a friend, and a quiet companion through years of growth and discovery.

–Maria Hovi