We are incredibly excited to introduce to you a new full-time CDIS staff member. We will be welcoming Hershey to our Central DeWitt Intermediate team as a Certified Therapy Dog. Hershey is an eleven month old Aussiedoodle (hypoallergenic). Hershey has been in training for about four months. Although she is certified, training will continue on a regular basis to refine her skills. We are excited for Hershey to become an integral part of our school community. Below we have set out the benefits of site-based school therapy dogs, and have also tried to address some concerns that you may have. To meet Hershey and learn more click here. What are the benefits of having a school dog(s)? Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of therapy dogs in schools. Therapy dogs have been working in schools across the nation for quite some time now and are currently part of our district staff. Evidence indicates that benefits include: Cognitive– companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving, and game playing. Social– a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing, and focused interaction with others. Emotional– school dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and lift mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieve anxiety. Physical– interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives the motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses. Environmental – a dog in a school increases this sense of a family environment, with all of the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over. Reading– reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence, through both the calming effect the dog's presence has on children as well as the fact that a dog will listen to children read without being judgemental or critical. This comforting environment helps to nurture children's enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence to read aloud. Some concerns you might have: My child is allergic to dogs. It is understandable that some of you may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. However, Hershey, has been and will be subjected to the most thorough cleanliness and grooming regime. They will also only be allowed in situations with pupils who voluntarily wish to work with her. We have purposely sought out a dog that is hypoallergenic so that more students can work with Hershey including those that may be allergic. If you would like to request that your student does not work with Hershey, please contact the school and let us know that we can make the appropriate accommodations. Will Hershey be properly cared for? Hershey will be extremely well looked after. Hershey will be working with Mrs. Walls, her handler and fifth grade teacher at CDIS. She will come to school daily but will stay safely in Mrs. Walls' room until satisfactory training and acclimation has been completed. They will then, in time, listen to pupils read in a controlled setting and will always be accompanied by a trained adult. They will continue to undergo rigorous training and will be extremely well-behaved. Hershey will have access to a comfortable home area where she can relax during the day. This is where she will spend most of their time initially. Hershey is updated on all vaccinations and will continue regular check-ups. If Hershey is unwell for any reason she will stay home for the day and be reassessed the following day before returning. Please reach out to either myself (christina.walls@cd-csd.org) or our principal, Mr. Lueders (spencer.lueders@cd-csd.org) if you have any questions! Thank you! Spencer Lueders Principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School Christina Walls 5th Grade Teacher Central DeWitt Intermediate School'
