Laurel Martinez’ classroom at Colorado Stem Academy exploded to the sounds of cheers and applause when students discovered that their pet lizard, Noodle, was back in his terrarium.

Last fall, Noodle had to be removed from the classroom because district policy forbids animals in the classroom. The policy was created out of concern for students who might have allergies and other unanswered policy questions like who would take care of pets over extended breaks and summer vacation.

Some of the students were devastated by the news, but instead of sulking, they acted to change the policy. They crafted very specific rules and procedures to allow for animals in the classroom and meet the concerns of the district. They spent hours talking to parents, board of education members and the school district’s lawyer to come up with an acceptable plan.

Board member Christine Martinez took special interest in the effort and introduced the new policy.

CBS News 4 was there for Noodle’s return and you can view their story here.