8/20/13

Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to the opportunity to be in the education process with your students. I am excited about all that they will learn and how they will grow as individuals.

Many of you may be aware that we have a very special opportunity. Due to the innovation of our administration and Board members, we have had the privilege to pilot a “dog therapy program” in room 102. For the last five years, we have had Golden Retrievers, Coton de Tulear and even a Bernese Mountain Dog present in the classroom many days each week. Each dog is current on his/her vaccines, temperament tested and is in an intensive training program for Service Work or Therapy Work. Furthermore, students are always surveyed to avoid allergies, dog phobias and other student concerns.

You may have seen the write up in the Avon Lake Press a couple years ago that talked about the benefits of dogs in the classroom (see back). In short, after being in the field of teaching for more than twenty years, I have been amazed at how the dogs have facilitated learning, calmed and comforted students and made the class a more welcoming environment. I have been in awe day after day as SMS students gravitate to the pups, even those who are not in my classes. Comments such as, “I do better on my tests when Isaac (a Golden pup) is in the room,” are frequent and kids ask me where the dog is if he/she did not accompany me to school that day. It is evident that the presence of a therapy/service dog is having a positive impact on the students in the classroom.

The Board of Education has adopted a revised policy to address this “dog therapy program.” I have been asked to contact each parent and ensure that this program is acceptable to you. Below is a response slip to return if you have questions, comments or concerns regarding the program. You may also call me directly on my cell (440-670-1689) if you would like to discuss this further.

There is no need to return the form if you are in agreement with the “dog therapy program.” However, your feedback is always welcome and appreciated. If I don’t hear from you by August 26, I will conclude that you are in support of my continuing to implement the “dog therapy program” to bring joy and warmth to our classroom learning environment.

Thank you again,

Carolyn Beckett

(Please cut and return by August 26, 2013)

I have read the above memo and I AM or I AM NOT in support of the “dog therapy program” in Miss Beckett’s classroom for the below reasons: ______

______

______

Parent Signature: ______Student Name: ______