Check out the caresheet we offer:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

It's got loads of ideas for getting that environment fixed up. Aspen bedding is usually fine...but if the snake has a sick belly, he needs to be on paper until he gets better. This will allow you to see if there is any bleeding or weeping sores because it will stain the paper....as well as reduce the chance of the rough surfaces irritating an already sensitive belly. And allow you to see immediately if its been soiled and needs cleaning. You don't want a sick belly laying on soiled bedding.

You may need to take him home with you to keep him in a warm, quiet, dark place until he gets better....and in the meantime you can work on getting the tank in the classroom set up properly for his return once he's all better.

I love the idea of a pet snake in the classroom...and especially like the idea of the teacher being an example to their students about how to provide proper husbandry and care for their animals.

As for not feeding......they can go for weeks and weeks without eating and suffer no ill effects because of it. I'd get the little guy to a vet first and on the road to recovery before offering food again....unless he's actually losing weight or severely underweight.