Hi Suzy!
Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of experience with lizards and/or frogs so I won't be of much help to you. One thing I wanted to advise you on is to keep the setup simple. The more complex, the more work involved in maintaining it.

Keep into consideration the type of food/prey that your choice of reptile eats and make sure you'll be able to provide that food on a regular basis & the amount of trouble it involves within itself.

Just about anything along the lines of what you've already mentioned will be fine left alone over the weekend. Just feed it Friday afternoon before you leave & then first thing Monday morning. The other feedings can be spaced out throughout the week.

My wife teaches 2nd grade & this year she decided she wants to try a Red Eye Tree Frog. She has some reptile experience so I'm pretty sure she'll be OK with one in her class. They're usually recommended for intermediate keepers but I believe that the right novice can manage them. They aren't cheap like Anoles & might not be worth the gamble to you. You might want to consider some of the cheaper tree frogs, though.

Personally, I think you might be better off with something like a Tokay Gecko, or one of the other climbing geckos. Tokay's are fairly hardy, but most aren't handleable. Crested Geckos are quite appealing & fascinating. They're not cheap, though. There are several different climbing geckos you can choose from.

One last thing - Regardless of what type of reptile you choose, you'll want to provide some sense of security for it, like a plant or two in the cage. However, put too many plants in there & you'll never see the creature.

Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


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