staff, having the support of a dog has proven helpful for a number of students.
“ Some of the kids that I’ ve been working with have really been changing since she’ s come on. They like to see her, and I’ ve really noticed a difference in their behaviors. I definitely attribute it to her. She’ s had an impact,” said Taylor.
“ I had a kid come the other day and they were really anxious. I put Kyla on their lap and that’ s the icebreaker because they’ ll pet her while they’ re talking. It helps bring the kids down and help with their anxieties.”
“ It’ s one of those things that students won’ t always open up when they’ re having a hard time,” added Sample.“ If a kid is quiet, a dog will usually help them open up quickly because they’ ll come right up to you and want to pet and give you love. It’ s a little easier for students to relate to a dog sometimes because they’ re so friendly.”
Sample brings Roxie along on Wednesdays, having her greet students as they arrive and bringing her around classrooms in free periods of time.
“ It’ s nice for them to see a dog, a happy face. They might still be half asleep, but seeing Roxie is a great way to start the day. The kids love her. The kids will stop in my room and ask about her. They’ ll stop by between class changes,” said Sample.
“ Labs in general are such friendly dogs and bring joy to everybody. One quote that I always remember from my breeder is that every day is like Christmas for them. They’ re always excitable and loving.”
Sample and Taylor were quick to add that therapy dogs are helpful for the adults in their buildings, too. Chakey’ s dog, Ben, largely serves that function, but tags along with him on visits to schools, as well.
“ During meetings, I’ ll take Kyla off the leash and she just walks around the room and greets every teacher and puts a smile on everybody’ s face,” said Taylor.“ It’ s not just for the kids, it helps out the adults, too.”
Cyber Academy
Did you know the Gateway School District has a Cyber Academy? The Gateway Cyber Academy, staffed by Gateway teachers— offers a comprehensive array of asynchronous courses and fully meets state graduation requirements. Interested in learning more? Scan the QR code and contact Dr. Marci Klinger at mklinger @ gatewayk12. org.
Scan the QR code to check out The Gateway Gazette, a comprehensive magazine highlighting the 2024-25 school year at the Gateway School District.
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