Mr. Rose would like to officially welcome the newest member of the SLC “team", Maya. After months of routine discussions and policy committee meetings, our Board of Education unanimously agreed to accept a new policy to allow the use of therapy dogs here at SLC.
What is a Therapy Dog? For purposes of this new policy, a therapy dog is defined as a dog that has been trained, evaluated, and certified to work with a handler to provide affection and comfort to individuals in a variety of settings including schools. A handler is defined as an individual that has been trained, evaluated, and certified to work with a particular therapy dog.
Introducing Maya: Mr. Rose would like to introduce Maya, a two-year-old Labradoodle, who is ready to become an integral part of our school community. Maya completed her training with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs on August 30th, 2024 and she has passed her basic, intermediate, and advanced off-leash certification training, demonstrating her ability to behave reliably in various situations.
In addition to her impressive training, Maya is registered as an American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen, which is a testament to her excellent temperament and obedience. Her final certification, through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs Program, was conducted by Michaela Lawton from Mountainside K9, a highly respected and certified dog trainer.
Program Logistics: Maya will be stationed in Ms. Bethel's office, providing her with a comfortable and adequate space to rest and access to food and water. This setup will ensure that Maya remains well cared for while on school premises.
Maya will be present at the school no more than two days per week unless additional days are approved by the administration. To accommodate students who may have a fear of dogs, a sign will be posted on the guidance office door where Maya is located. This will allow Maya to be confined to Ms. Bethel's office if needed, ensuring that she does not disrupt any student needing assistance.
All health records, vaccinations, and certifications for Maya have been provided to the Board of Education, ensuring that all necessary documentation is up-to-date and in compliance with district requirements.
In Conclusion: Given the numerous benefits of therapy dogs in educational settings and Maya's exceptional training and temperament, we believe that introducing Maya as a therapy dog at Brasher Falls Central School District would be an invaluable addition to our school community. Her presence will support our students’ emotional and academic well-being, enhance social interactions, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school environment, here at SLC.
Please join Mr. Rose in welcoming Maya to SLC!