CONCORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
March 8, 2018 Special Edition
NEW Program this Spring - Concord Therapy Dog Program
Parent Letter
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This spring, we are starting a new Therapy Dog Program here at Concord Elementary School! The therapy dog will come to school on Fridays to assist struggling readers, students who might need some extra social/emotional support, or as a special classroom lesson. The therapy dog program will be conducted by Michele Ventura, School Counselor, who is also the owner and handler of trained therapy dog, Roux! (pronounced “Roo”)
Note: No student will interact with the therapy dog without signed permission from parents/guardians. Permission slips will be sent home prior to planned meetings between students and Roux. This letter is to inform you that there will be a dog in the building. If there are concerns about severe allergies and/or if any students are fearful of dogs, please email or call by Monday, April 2, 2018:
Michele Ventura, School Counselor: 610-579-6157
What is a Therapy Dog:
Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are dogs who are specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability.
Benefits of a Therapy Dog:
Physical benefits: reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, lowers anxiety, provides comfort, reduces loneliness, and increases mental stimulation.
Social benefits: visits with a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, helps to break the ice, promotes greater self-esteem and well-being, and focused interaction with others
Cognitive benefits: companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem solving, and game playing
Emotional benefits: Dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others, and may reduce the resistance that might accompany counseling
Environmental benefits: A dog in a facility lifts moods and can provide an escape or happy distraction
Precautions that will be taken around allergies:
*Permissions from families will be obtained BEFORE dog and student interaction is initiated.
Roux will be groomed, brushed thoroughly and hypo-allergenic grooming wipes will be utilized to reduce dander.
Roux will be restricted to certain areas of the building and will ALWAYS be on lead. Therefore, no student-to-dog interactions will take place without consent.
Students will be required to wash hands before and after contact with the therapy dog.
All About Roux!
Roux is a 5 year old, black lab mix who was rescued as a puppy by handler, Michele Ventura.
Roux enjoys being around children and loves to show off his tricks!
Roux also LOVES treats, food, chasing after squirrels and bunnies, swimming in the bay, and running around in the snow! Roux always likes to find a warm “sun spot” in the house. He has a great nose and likes to play “hide and go seek”!
Roux knows the following verbal commands: heel, sit, stay, down, stand, high five, up, shake, shake other one, bow, legs, get it, outside, lap, be right back, back up, leave it, “eh eh”, easy, dig, and is always learning more!
Certified Therapy Dog through Shadowlee Canine of West Chester, PA
Concord Elementary School
Website: garnetvalleyschools.com
Location: 114 Station Road, Glen Mills, PA, United States
Phone: 610-579-6100
Facebook: facebook.com/ConcordElementarySchool-GVSD
Twitter: @ConcordGV