The Storm

Minimize Mental Health: Implement Therapy Dogs in Schools

by Emma Wheet

With the current rise of prevalence in mental health cases in today’s society, therapy dogs are making their way into schools with the hope to alleviate the crisis. Whether it is just a day or two a week or every day, these trained dogs have changed many individuals' perceptions. Students are faced with many stressors that can be linked to school or home and are looking for some escape. Not only would students benefit from seeing these dogs in their school, but the staff as well. The dogs offer an emotional release, which is very beneficial to those who are struggling behind closed doors. For some, school is their only form of escape from home or reality and having a therapy dog would make it much better.

Although there are many concerns pertaining to the topic, such as allergies and a fear of dogs, the positives and beneficial outcomes of schools that have therapy dog programs outweigh it all. Having therapy dogs in schools would exponentially correlate with a positive outcome of the prevalence of mental health that is seen in today’s society. In an educational setting, all it takes is one teacher or staff member of the district to volunteer their time and dedication to an animal that will positively affect many students as well as the staff.

Studies have shown that schools that implement therapy dog programs have shown improvement in student attendance and grades, as well as overall morale.It’s not often that an individual is sad when they see someone with a dog, but rather happy and often it puts a smile on their face. So many individuals with dogs are proven to be scientifically happier than those who have no animals at all. Dogs don’t judge when they are told stories, but they sit there for as long as you need and will lick your face when you’re all done sharing.

One dog can create hundreds of smiles daily. A therapy dog creates a purpose as simple as getting out of bed each morning, which may seem small to some, but to those struggling, it is something significant. A therapy dog could save a life.

On May 11, our own Central Valley Academy held a rope-cutting event in the school's LGI for Connected Community Schools. The Community Schools model exists to make sure every student and family has the resources and support they need to be successful. By connecting the existing resources within the community to our school, bringing in resources to address prevalent needs, like mental health or food insecurity, and bringing forth meaningful collaborations, this organization works to create a true “connection of community." Here is a link to learn more about Connected Community Schools: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQla4qjTFAs

At Central Valley Academy, we have Ms. Bonnie Muffett as our site coordinator. Ms. Muffet supplies students who may not have necessities to help them live a happier and better life. Since she has come here, our school community has seen a tremendous difference.

Students and staff came together to represent CVCSD as a whole as we welcomed Connected Community Schools into our district. Students showed their support by starting off the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Jarvis middle schoolers, followed by the Alma Mater, sung by CVA's Chamber Choir, and lastly, students of Fisher Elementary sang "God Bless the USA" to end the ceremony. Superintendent Jeremy Rich spoke about how impactful Connected Community Schools truly has been to our district. Ms. Muffet expressed her personal gratitude for the support she has received and looks forward to the upcoming years here at Central Valley Academy.