Thanks for all of the great input. We have already set up the snake in a slide top cage with a padlock so that kids, custodial staff, jerks can't get to the snake. The teacher is knowledgable about the snakes, and we plan to provide him with all of the support he needs. Actually, my son will be doing another genetics presentation along with a handling clinic when we deliver the snake to the class. The ball that will be going is a fantastic eater, and doesn't mind being handled at all. Right now he is in a tank in the middle of our livingroom and doesn't seem stressed at all with all of the traffic and confusion. The teacher has had pets in the classroom forever, and he is great about placing them in a "quiet" corner of the room and limiting exposure to the kids. It's more a reward for great behaviour and work when they are allowed to interact with the animals.

Thank you to all who have replied. We are even inviting the school superintendant to the class for the presentation when it happens. I've found that once they actually see and experience the snakes, it eliminates some of the concern