Are you able to have live classroom pets? What are some good suggestions for classroom pets?

We are not able to have any pets with fur due to allergies, other than our school therapy dog. Several of our teachers have fish or turtles.

How do you start off science in your classroom? Do you have an introductory lesson you can share?
I like to use the children's book titled, "What is Science?" as it shows children that science can be lots of things and that they are already scientists!

A few years ago, I got a roll of paper from Target and started writing quotes on it to post outside my door for students to read. It turns out that it wasn't just students who were reading it -- adults did too and would stop by to tell me the ways they related to do the quote. What are some ways you commit to the culture of your school?