Bell Top Elementary School's Puppy With a Purpose
Auggie's Bloggie
I HAVE A NEW BLOGGIE!
I have had so much fun posting on my bloggie, that I filled it all up! You are welcome to check this bloggie out whenever you'd like-- It's not going anywhere! However, if you want to see NEW posts about my life at Bell Top during the 2020-2021 school year, check out the link below!
7/21/2020
I am so grateful that I get to spend time with my best friend Charlie. She is on my QUARAN-TEAM!!! I know that we have been around our quaran-teams for a while now, and I am sure that there are times that you get on each other's nerves. It happens with Charlie and I, too! But Kelso's choices always help us! ESPECIALLY talk it out using I messages! Just the other day, I had to tell Charlie... "I feel mad when you steal the frisbee away from me when I am playing with it without asking because I was enjoying what I was doing. Next time, could you please ask me first? Because I'd be happy to share!". Try to find gratitude for your quaran-team today and every day, even if they do things that can make you feel angry or upset sometimes!
xo Auggie
7/7/2020
Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Gibbs & I were feeling really down the other day because we had to cancel our summer vacation plans. I know a lot of you had fun summer vacation plans. It's such a bummer that we cannot travel. It has made me feel disappointed and sad. But rather than staying sad, Mrs. Gibbs and I decided to use this time that we cannot travel to explore some neat local spots that we haven't been to before, or that we haven't been to in a while! On Saturday, the 4th of July, Mrs. Gibbs and I explored the Saratoga Battlefield! Did you know that the Battle of Saratoga was the turning point of the Revolutionary War?! How neat is that!? I hope each of you can learn a little bit about your local history this summer. We live in an area that is so rich with history-- it's so fun to keep learning all summer long!
xo Auggie
7/1/2020
HELLO AGAIN, FRIENDS!!! I took a MUCH needed break from the computer screen. I don't know about you, but since we stopped going to school in March, it feels like we have all spent SO much more time looking at a screen. Screen time is great when we need it, but just like ice cream, too much is a problem! I decided that I needed to take a nice long break from the screen to spend time doing things that make me feel happy! Once of those things is spending time with dogs and people that bring me joy! Mrs. Gibbs says that this is another great coping skill to use when we are feeling down or blue. Spending time with my friend Zuri always helps me to bounce back!
Happy Summer!
xo Auggie
6/5/2020
I love swimming... and exploring creeks! It's so much fun to play around in the shallow water, looking for critters and splashing around. I encourage you to get outside and find a creek and do some exploring! But remember to respect nature and try your best to not disturb the natural habitats of all of the many creatures that call our creeks home!
xo Auggie
5/29/20
I am having so much fun trying new things during this time! I am trying to learn how to climb trees! It is difficult for me because I have paws, not hands... but I can still try! I hope you have fun trying new things during this time... especially trying things that are out of your comfort zone!
xo Auggie
5/22/20
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I hope you enjoy this special weekend outside in the beautiful weather!
xo Auggie
5/15/2020
Guess what? It is officially SWIMMING SEASON!!! Once the weather hits 60 degrees regularly, you just can't keep us doodles out of the water. I had so much fun splish splashing around the park this morning! If you have a pool or access to a body of water, maybe you go for a swim tomorrow! Mrs. Gibbs tells me it's supposed to be a beautiful day! Get outside and enjoy it! ...While staying 6 feet apart and wearing a mask, of course!
xo Auggie
5/8/2020
Mrs. Gibbs has been telling me that brave doesn't mean what I thought it meant. I thought brave meant feeling afraid, and doing it anyway. But Mrs. Gibbs says that brave is actually trusting your gut, and doing what feels right for you, despite what other people (or dogs!) may think or say. Today, I wanted to adventure out onto a little bridge/waterfall (see in video)... But I felt afraid. I became still in my brain and thought about what I, AUGGIE wanted. What felt right for me? I could've ventured further, to show Mrs. Gibbs and all of my friends that I could do it... but, it didn't feel safe. I trusted my knowing deep inside, and went as far as I felt comfortable with. I was BRAVE because I did what felt right to me, in my soul. I hope you learn to do the same... that way, you will never disappoint yourself! You may disappoint other people (or again, dogs!), but I've learned that that is much preferred to disappointing yourself.
Love, Auggie
5/1/2020
Happy May, everyone! I love this month... it usually means more sunshine, warmer weather, and more outdoor activities! I love exploring outdoors... and lately, I have been feeling so sad about not being at Bell Top with all of you. The coping skill that I have been using the most lately is GETTING OUTSIDE! Even if it is rainy. 100% of the time, I feel better once I have gone outside. Even if it just for a few minutes! Maybe you get outside today, despite the rain, and celebrate the start of May!
I love you all so much!
xo Auggie
4/24/2020
April showers bring May showers! As much as I love playing outside, and I get so disappointed that I can't play outside during the rain, I understand that the rain is necessary for the beautiful flowers to grow. So, when it rains, I can choose to bounce back, or I can choose to go splat. I give myself time to feel my feelings, then I throw my raincoat on and bounce back! Maybe today you put your rainboots and your rain coat on and jump in puddles and BOUNCE BACK from this rain!
xox Auggie
4/17/2020
I miss so many things about Bell Top... but right now? I am missing RUNNING CLUB! This time of year, Mrs. Longworth usually has running club in the morning and I LOVE getting the chance to run with the kids, or even just see them outside running! I am passionate about running... it's one of my most favorite activities! And I wish so badly that I could be in my favorite place doing one of my most favorite activities. But for now, I will wear my running club shirt and run around my yard and pretend I am with all of my Bell Top friends! Maybe you will do the same!
xo Auggie
4/10/2020
The weeks are long, but ya know what makes it better? Good memories... like, the memories I have of the PARADE ON MONDAY!!! I miss you all so much, and seeing your beautiful sunshiney faces on Monday morning made my heart swell up with so much love. I wished so badly that I could have jumped out of the car to give you all kisses, but Mrs. Gibbs hooked me up to a seat belt! And it is probably a good thing she did, or else I probably would've been running all around East Greenbush spreading love (and getting pets) to all of you! Whenever I have felt sad or lonely this week (I don't get to see my friends, either) I think about the parade! Thinking about all of the love and joy and excitement and optimism fills me with gratitude and makes me feel less alone. Mrs. Gibbs says I am using one of my coping skills! Thinking of a happy memory or a special place is a great way to to shift your attitude to a place of gratitude!
xo Auggs
4/3/ 2020
Rather than focusing on what we CANNOT do right now, Mrs. Gibbs and I are focusing on what we CAN do! And one of those things is walking! I love walks. Probably not surprising to hear... I mean, I am a dog! Mrs. Gibbs and I walk miles and miles, every day! And it never gets old! Know why? It's because there is always something to new to discover! A new smell, a new stream, a new pile of leaves to jump in. So, while there are so many things we cannot do, I am enjoying what we can do. And thats WALKING!
xo Auggie
3/27/2020
I had so much fun exploring the Spa State Park with Mrs. Gibbs this morning! We go to the park a lot, but today we explored the playground! I was a little nervous about the slide at first. I wasn't ready to do it but I eventually got the hang of it! Except, when Mrs. Gibbs went to take a video of me sliding down, I walked down instead of sliding! I hope you all enjoy the beautiful weather today, while practicing social distancing! I miss you all so much!
xo Auggie
3/18/2020
I am back from my vacation! And while I am grateful to be home, I am sad that I cannot be in school. Knowing that all students are home right now makes me feel happy that everyone is getting quality time with their family, but also heartbroken that we can't all be together at school. Right now I am enjoying some time with my best friend Charlie. Being with Charlie brings me joy and makes me feel better about not being at school! I hope you have people around y ou right now who make you feel better about not being in school! Focus on the things that bring you joy and gratitude... like Charlie!
xo Auggie
3/6/2020
I had so much fun at family reading night last night! The teachers & staff did such a great job in the play & the photo booth was so much fun!!! I loved seeing so many parents and kids walking around to the different activities, eating yummy snacks and supporting our school through the scholastic book fair! The highlight of the night for me was definitely taking pictures with my friends. It really felt like we were in the jungle! Thank you to the team of teachers and the PTO for such a special night!
xo Auggie, King of the Jungle
2/28/2020
Sometimes it's really difficult for me to make good choices. Coming to Bell Top every day, I see that sometimes kids also struggle to make good choices, too. I know that I wasn't supposed to dig a hole outside of Mrs. Gibbs house... but the dirt looked so delicious and I just wasn't thinking and I just dug and dug and dug and dug!!! AND IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! And then Mrs. Gibbs came outside and she was SO disappointed in me. Instantly, I felt ashamed of my behavior. She gave me a bath, and then I had a long time out. It didn't feel good to sit in time out, because I wasn't allowed to play with my toys or my friends or Mrs. Gibbs. I felt really bad about the choice I made... Mrs. Gibbs explained to me that I am not a bad dog, but that I just wasn't thinking and I wasn't practicing SELF CONTROL. If I had done Stop, Think, Act, perhaps I would have made a better choice to play with my outside toys instead of dig a hole, and then I wouldn't feel so disappointed in myself and the choice I made. I am still a very good dog, but I do make mistakes. I have learned that if I work hard to practice my self control, maybe I won't feel this way in the future. Do you ever make bad choices? If you do, I hope you can remember that you are a good person (or dog!) but that you can always do better next time by practicing Stop, Think, Act. We will all learn together!
XO Auggie
2/11/2020
I had so much fun learning about coping skills with Mrs. Gigliello's class! We learned about rocket breathing and yoga and gratitude lists and coloring and so many more! A coping skill, Mrs. Gibbs has taught me, is something that you can do that will make you feel better. Coping skills are great to use when you are feeling sad, mad, worried,stressed, nervous or uncomfortable. My favorite coping skill? Physical touch... aka HUGS! But always remember to ask first!
xo Auggie
p.s. How cool is the new collaboratory space?! I love it down there! So much space to learn and collaborate and brainstorm and work in groups! What a perfect spot! The cold tile floors are pretty neat, too!
1/31/2020
The end of the school day is one of my most favorite times of day. NOT because school is over... in fact, that's the most upsetting part about 3:15 pm. But the best part about dismissal? When students line up in the hallway, and pass by on their way to the bus. It feels like a never ending flow of pets... and if that isn't a dog's dream, I don't know what is! I hope today, and every day, you get all of the physical affection you want and need in your life. Hugs (ask first!), high fives, fist bumps, elbow taps (if you're worried about germs), hand shakes, and pinky hugs are a great way to show other humans that you care. But for dogs? Stick with the pets. We cannot get enough!
xo Auggs
1/24/2020
Am I the luckiest dog in the world, or what?! I get to spend every day with amazing kids... like the ones you see in these pictures! Sometimes when I am feeling grumpy (which happens to us dogs, too!), I think about all of the things I am grateful for, and it always turns my frown upside down! On the top of my list every time? 320 Bell Toppers that love me unconditionally! ...and that pet me and read to me and sometimes even give me treats!
What are you grateful for today? I promise if you even just think of 1 thing, you will feel better!
xo Auggie
1/17/2020
BRRRRRRR!!!!! Even I can admit that it is super cold out! I love cold weather, but oh my goodness- this morning was FREEZING! Literally! I think this weekend is the perfect weekend to stay home and snuggle with the people (and dogs) we love and read all the books. Who's in?
xo Auggs
1/10/2020
Today on the announcements, Mrs. Gibbs talked about being kind to your mind. I had no idea what she was talking about! Then I remembered one of my most favorite books... Eraser! In this book, Eraser thinks she isn't good, isn't wanted and runs away. In the beginning of the story, she is not kind to her mind! But by the end, she flips her pancake and tells herself more positive messages! She starts by telling herself things like "What do I bring to the table? Nothing. I just take things away". But by the end of the story, after she flips her pancake, she is saying things like "I Do create! I create second chances!" Which, is so true coming from an eraser!
As Mrs. Gibbs said this morning, this is difficult to do. I know I struggle with this! There are times when I feel like I cannot do something. I may tell myself "Auggie, no matter how fast you run, you will never be as fast as your best friend, Charlie. Might as well give up now". But if I feel thoughts like that creeping up in my mind, I stop, recognize what's happening, and flip my pancake to something more realistic and positive! Something like "I may never be as fast as Charlie, but boy do I enjoy running! I will always just run as fast as I can and have fun! That is what matters!"
I know that this is really hard to do, but I that if I can do it, you can do! I hope you are extra KIND to your MIND this month! Be patient with yourself, this takes practice. And like Mrs. Gibbs said, treat your brain like your best friend because guess what.... It kind of is!
xo Auggie
1/3/2020
I had a lot of fun dressing up and having fun during the last week of school before the holidays, as you can see! I also had a great vacation with Mrs. Gibbs & my best friend Charlie, but I am so glad to be back to school! Yesterday, I got to sit next to one of my friends while he worked on his writing while petting me and as you can see... I was in heaven! I could have stayed there forever! I love vacation time, but I also love coming HOME to Bell Top, where my family is!
xo Auggie
12/13/2019
This is my special friend, Keira. Keira attends Green Meadow Elementary School, but she and I have been getting to know each other over the past year. See, the thing is, Keira USED to be terrified of dogs. So many humans (and animals!) have fears, and usually, we have them for a reason. Sometimes, we see something that scares us, and then it is difficult to forget about it, and we carry that fear with us. It's ok to have fears, but it is also important to challenge our fear, just like my friend Keira, because we want to be able to have fun and enjoy our lives! When Keira first met me, she didn't want to come into Mrs. Gibbs' office because she was afraid of me. Well, she was not afraid of ME, Auggie, but she was afraid of dogs. But she kept coming back! Her mom continued to bring her to Bell Top, where she would work with Mrs. Gibbs and I, and slowly but surely, she overcame her fear! Every time Keira came, she would get a little bit closer to me, and talk to me, and she even wrote me letters! It was important for her to learn to trust me. And me? I just waited! I was patient with Keira because I knew that this was difficult for her. I was patient and trusted that eventually, she would come over and pet me. And guess what?! Well, from the picture, you can see that SHE DID!!! Yesterday, with a smile on her face, Keira sat next to me and PET ME! To say that I am proud of Keira is an huge understatement. Do you think that Keira still has some fear of dogs? Sure! Of course she does! However, she can now walk down the street and be comfortable with dogs passing by. She can now go over to friends houses and have play dates, even if they have a dog. AND, she can read to the therapy dogs that come to her school, too!
I invite you to take a look at the fears you carry around with you. Is there a little baby step you could take to overcome those fears, like Keira did the first time she came to Bell Top? Is there a person you can trust to help you through the process, like Keira's mom did for her? How would your life improve if you faced your fears?
Keira finally giving me pets was the greatest holiday gift of all. Keira, I am so proud of you and I am so grateful to call you my friend!
xo Auggie
12/4/2019
WOW!!! I know that I haven't lived a very long time (1.5 years, to be exact) but this is the most snow I have ever seen in my whole life! I hope everyone enjoyed their extra long Thanksgiving break! I also hope you helped your families shovel & move all of the snow! I just LOVE the snow. It is so fun to pounce like a bunny all through the huge snow banks! Enjoy it while it's here!
xo Auggie
11/22/2019
As we enter the holiday season, we have been talking about gratitude a lot at school! Mrs. Gibbs always asks students what they are grateful for as they leave her office, and it has been so neat to hear students and staff outside of Mrs. Gibbs office talking about gratitude! Focusing on what we are grateful for is very powerful, and makes us feel happy and warm inside! It's Mrs. Gibbs number one trick when she is feeling sad or lonely because it immediately makes you feel full of love and joy! I hope you get to spend quality time with people you are grateful for this weekend! And, I hope you show them your gratitude!
xo Auggie
11/15/2019
Who doesn't love snuggling up and reading a good book!? Especially in this cold weather! I LOVE playing outside, but that doesn't mean that I don't also LOVE quiet reading time with a good friend. I am so grateful that I get to have these special moments with special students every day! Maybe you can find some time this weekend to cuddle up with someone you love and have some special reading time together!
xo Auggie
11/12/2019
I had to go to the vet recently... to get a SHOT! YIKES! If you're like me, you probably don't love shots. But Mrs. Gibbs says that going to the doctor (or in my case, vet) regularly is part of the responsibility we have to ourselves! We owe it to ourselves to stay healthy and to practice wellness for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Sometimes, that means doing things we don't want to do like brushing our teeth (I can't stand when Mrs. Gibbs brushes my teeth! But... I do like the chicken flavored toothpaste!) or eating vegetables or going to bed early to make sure you are getting enough sleep or, going to the doctor for shots. But the more we do these things regularly, the better we feel, and the more fun we can have! It's hard to have fun when you're sick! So while the temperatures are dropping and we are entering the cold and flu season, make sure you are taking care of yourself, including doing all of the things you don't necessarily want to do, but need to do for your well being!
xo Auggie
11/1/2019
I had so much fun on Halloween yesterday! I loved seeing everyone in their costumes! Mrs. Willis, Mrs, Gibbs and I all dressed up as superheros... And I was SUPER PAL! Well, I am everyone's super pal every day, but yesterday I got to wear a cool cape! Yesterday was a perfectly spooky and fun day. I am so grateful to get to go to such a special school, with such special kids (and witches and zombies and ghosts) every day!
Happy Halloween!
Auggie
10/25/2019
Happy Friday, friends! I love coming to school so much... but I also love playing outside and having free time! I know that it is getting cold out, but it is so important to continue to go outside and PLAY! I hear so many students in Mrs. Gibbs office talk about their video games and phones and tablets that it makes me feel worried that kids aren't outside playing! I know that a little bit of screen time is ok, but before the temperatures drop and it gets literally FREEZING outside, GO OUT AND PLAY! It is supposed to be a beautiful day tomrorow, friends! Make a leaf pile and jump in! Feel the cool air fill up your healthy lungs and the warm sun shine on your beautiful face. It's fall! Enjoy it while it lasts!
xo Auggie
10/18/2019
Today is the big day... the pumpkin day... the PUMPKIN RACE!!! I know that a lot of students are feeling nervous and anxious about the pumpkin race... I understand that feeling! It's because you want to do well, and you are worried that you might not. Things like the pumpkin race can be scary, but that means they can also be SO MUCH FUN! It is important to remember with things like the pumpkin race that although there is only one winner in each race, that its trying your BEST that matters! And as Mrs. Longworth always says, IF YOU HAD FUN, YOU WON!!! Let's have some fun today, kids!
xo Auggie
10/11/2019
I had so much fun seeing Eric Litwin, author of the Pete The Cat series, at a special event yesterday! I love Pete's easy breezy, carefree attitude. Instead of going splat, when Pete encounters a small problem, he bounces back! Pete is an inspiration to all of us! I feel so grateful to our amazing PTO who works hard to get awesome people like Eric Litwin here! Remember... buttons come and buttons go!
Happy Friday!
Auggie
10/5/2019
I have learned that mornings are sometimes difficult for humans. Both kids and adults say that it is hard to wake up and get going in the morning, but I have to say, I have a completely different experience. From the moment I wake up, I am just so happy and excited and full of energy! From the moment my paws touch the ground, I am just overwhelmed with gratitude that we get to have another day together! Waiting for the buses every morning feels like waiting for birthday presents. It is so exciting every morning! Every day is a gift!
xo Auggie
9/26/2019
I am so glad to be back at school with my kids! Yes, the days are long and I sure am tired at the end of the week, but there are so many things that make me happy throughout the day! Sure, there are plenty of things in this world that don't make us smile, but Mrs. Gibbs always says that there is at least one thing to be grateful for at all times. Sometimes it's a small thing, and sometimes it's a big thing, but there is always something! Today, I am grateful for the fact that I get to come to school every day, and also for my delicious breakfast that I just enjoyed in Mrs. Gibbs' office! I am also grateful for the opportunity to meet 3-5 parents last Thursday night, and K-2 parents tonight at open house! See you there!
xo Auggie
9/16/2019
Things I love: holidays and reasons to celebrate! I know that it's still over a month away, but I am getting very excited for Halloween. Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis have already chosen our costumes this year... But I promised that I would keep it a secret so you will have to wait for the parade! I thought I would share some of my love and excitement for Halloween a bit early this year... The kindergarteners had a good laugh at me when I was pretending to be a ghost as they walked down the hallway!
BOO! Auggie
9/10/2019
I think I must be the happiest dog in the whole wide universe. MY KIDS ARE BACK TO SCHOOL! Every day I get to come to school and see 350 smiling faces! I get pet and hugs and kisses all day long. Students walk by me and wave to me and ask me how I am doing. I wish every dog in the world got to feel as loved as I do. Summer was fun, but boy oh boy am I happy to be back to school!
xo Auggie
9/4/2019
OH BOY!!!! Tomorrow, my kids come back to school! I have been at school a few times so far with Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis, and it is pretty lonely without all of the students here. I am so excited to see all of your beautiful, smiling faces tomorrow morning! I was exploring Northville with my best friend Charlie this past weekend, and look who I ran into! THE AYOTTE BOYS! I was so excited to see some friends, and it made me even more excited for school to begin. Only one more sleep!!!
xo Auggie
August 30th, 2019
BIG NEWS! This week, I passed my big test! Over the past 13 months (yes, that is a very long time) I have been preparing to take a really big test! It is called the Therapy Dog International test, and it is a really big deal. I was nervous and scared and worried that I wasn't going to do well. But Mrs. Gibbs always says that when you have those feelings, it's best to take action in any way you can. So, instead of laying in my bed and worrying, I practiced! Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Willis and I practiced non-stop, all the time, constantly! It was exhausting, but guess what? When it came time for the big test, I was ready. And I knew that even if I didn't do well on the test, I did everything I could leading up to the test. I could look back in time with confidence knowing that I practiced a LOT and was as ready as I could be. That way, I had no regrets! Well, the good news is, I PASSED! Now I am a certified therapy dog! And, I get a cool new yellow dog tag on my collar that I get to show off to everyone. I'm pretty excited about that. Also, Mrs. Gibbs took me out for ice cream to celebrate! Hooray! I am so proud of myself for all of my hard work! Now, it's time for a nap!
See you soon!
xo Certified Therapy Dog Auggie
August 19th, 2019
I have been enjoying summer quite a bit, but really missing all the kids! Luckily, Mrs. Willis & Mrs. Gibbs were able to bring me to summer school a few times over the past month. It was so good to see kids... kids who loved me and petted me and fed me so many treats! I saw a few familiar faces, and so many new faces! I thought it was just Bell Top kids who were special, but I have learned that all of the students of EGCSD are special! All of the students I have met have been so kind, calm, well mannered, polite and respectful! They know that it makes me feel stressed and worried when they are loud and move quickly, so to show me respect, they talk in calm voices and keep their bodies quiet. This makes me feel so loved! These visits to summer school made me feel EXTRA excited for school to start back up! Sure, the last few days of summer will be enjoyable, too... but I am so excited to get back into the routine of seeing my kids and teachers every day!!!
xo Auggie
8/13/2019
Last week, Mrs. & Mr. Gibbs took me on vacation to Cape May, New Jersey. And guess what? My friends Tuukka and Charlie, and their parents, came too! I had never been to the beach before. I LOVED it! There was so much sand to dig in and waves to splash in and sticks to throw around and smells to smell. I had so much fun playing with my friends Tuukka and Charlie, and exploring a new place I had never been to before! There were times that the three of us played together, me and Charlie played together, Tuukka and Charlie played together, and me and Tuukka played together. I have learned this summer that there will be times that my friends want to play a game that I don't like, and thats ok. And that there will be times that I want to play something and my friends don't, and that's ok. Friends can have different interests, and that kind of makes our friendships even more interesting, and stronger! It would be so boring if we always agreed. A good friend doesn't just like all of the same things that you do. A good friend challenges you and exposes you to new things, new ideas and new opportunities. I am grateful for my friends, for our differences and our similarities, and for new experiences I have has this summer! I hope you are open to the ideas of your friends that might be different from yours. You never know what you will learn!
xo Auggie
7/30/2019
I went to Maine with my best friend Charlie this past weekend... and 3 other dogs too! I got a little bit jealous when Charlie wanted to play with the other dogs. I know Charlie loves me, but when she kept running toward the other dogs, it felt like she was running away from me. I told Charlie how it made me feel with an i-statement, something Mrs. Gibbs is a big fan of! I said, "Charlie, I feel sad and jealous when you play with the other dogs because it makes me feel left out. Can you include me when you play with the other dogs?" Charlie apologized and explained that she was just so excited, she didn't realize I was feeling that way. The thing is, it was hard to say that to Charlie. I felt nervous and uncomfortable, but Charlie never would have changed her behavior if I didn't tell her how I was feeling! I know that Charlie cares about me and values our friendship, and I also now know that speaking up to my friends about my feelings can help us to strengthen our friendship!
xo Auggie
7/22/2019
Boy oh boy... DO I LOVE SWIMMING!!! I shared about my first swim about 5 weeks ago if you scroll down.... It was scary and I didn't really want to jump in! I was afraid of the water. But, I did it! I was proud of myself for jumping in then, but I didn't really know if swimming was going to become something I loved. My best friend Charlie seems to enjoy it quite a bit, and she is really good at it too! Well, I have been practicing, and I am getting better! I have learned that if I just take a deep breath and calm down, the water isn't as terrifying as I think it is. If I thrash around and try to play with Charlie in the water, the water gets in my eyes and everything becomes a bit scary. So maybe this is something I can try when I am out of the water... taking a deep breath to calm down and look around. Then maybe things won't be as scary as they seem!
I am going to go swimming with a whole bunch of dogs this weekend! I am feeling more confident in my abilities as a swimmer, but I am still not as good as Charlie is. And that might just be the way it is. I might get a lot better at swimming, but she may always be the better swimmer. And that's perfectly fine! I am just grateful that all of this practice is paying off so that I can feel more comfortable in the water and really enjoy my time with my friends.
In these Youtube videos, you will see me doing a twisty jump, jumping very high, and swimming with Charlie to fetch sticks!
Stay cool! xo Auggie
7/17/2019
Mrs. Gibbs and I have spent every morning walking around our town of Saratoga Springs. It feels so nice to start the day with some movement and fresh air! I smile at every one I see because I like to make everyone's day better... and people tell me all the time that my smile makes them smile! I hope these pictures of me around town on walks with Mrs. Gibbs do the same for you! Take a walk around a different part of your town and notice what you observe! There may be different sounds, different looking people, different animals... just around the corner from you! It's pretty neat to keep exploring and discovering right in your own hometown!
xo Auggie
7/9/2019
I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer! I sure have! I spent at week at Mrs. Willis' house while Mrs. & Mr. Gibbs were away on vacation. I played outside all day long, it was a blast! I ran around, got dirty, played in the sprinkler, chased chipmunks and squirrels, and slept hard when the nighttime came. It was a little scary for me to spend a whole week away from Mrs. & Mr. Gibbs... I imagine some students feel the same way about going to summer camp! I was having a double dip feeling... excited and scared. BUT, I had a great time! I am so glad that I went! I also visited the East Greenbush public library with Mrs. Willis! I miss you all so much... being at the library was great because I got to see kids again!
In reflecting on this past year, one of my favorite memories was reading Wishtree together. Before we left for the summer, I stopped by the tree where Mrs. Gibbs took my picture so that I could always remember the magic of my first year at Bell Top. I couldn't help but ponder what my wish for the students of Bell Top would be...
My wish for you as we approach the dog days of summer (of course I love that term!) is that you GET OUTSIDE, turn off your tablets/phones/video games, play with your pets, try something new (a food or an adventure or a game) and tell the people you love that you love them.
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!
Auggie
6/25/2019
Recently, for my birthday, we held a fundraiser with Mugzy's Barkery! Mugzy's Barkery is a local small business that makes all natural and high quality dog treats right here in East Greenbush! So many students and staff purchased dog treats, which helps to support both me, and a small local family owned business. How neat is that!? I would like to send out a big THANK YOU to all of you who purchased these delicious treats!!! I reallllllllllly like the treats, too! I wish I could eat the whole bag but Mrs. Gibbs says that would give me a belly ache. I don't know about you, but self control is really difficult for me sometimes! I suppose I will just have to trust Mrs. Gibbs on this one...
love, Auggie
6/24/2019
I had so much fun today at the Schodack town park with Mrs. Lyte's class! I had never been to this park before... and WOW! What a special place! I had so much fun playing in the creek and watching the students play on the playground. We also had perfect weather! I hope all of the students of Bell Top get a chance to play outside in a creek this summer... or many chances!! It was so neat to see the students of Mrs. Lyte's class run around, finding frogs and spiders and getting excited over their discoveries. Isn't discovering critters fun? I LOVE finding critters!!! Summer is the perfect opportunity to get your hands dirty in the mud, your clothes wet in the creek and HAVE FUN!!! Try something new! As you know from an earlier post, I am trying to improve my swimming.... I am not a great swimmer, but I am trying my best! Part of the reason why I am struggling to become a strong swimmer is because I am afraid of the water in the big lake. I learned today that the water isn't so scary when it's only a foot deep. I had so much fun running around in the water and learned to not be afraid of it! Well, maybe I will still be a little bit afraid when Mrs. Gibbs encourages me to jump off of the boat or the dock, but I am learning the the more exposure I get to my fears (like water) the less scary they are.
xo Auggie
6/19/19
I am really starting to feel sad about the school year coming to an end. I have had so much fun this year learning and growing at Bell Top! I must be the luckiest dog in the world to get to spend my first year of life in an awesome school surrounded by kids who love me! I am having some mixed feelings about summer... Mrs. Gibbs calls it "double-dip feelings" when you have more than one feeling. I think I am having at least a quadruple dip! I am feeling excited to play and rest all summer long... But I am feeling sad that I won't get to see all of the Bell Top students every day. I am feeling happy because summer time means that I can spend more time with my best friend, Charlie! But angry that the 5th graders whom I love so much have to leave us and go to Goff Middle School! Mrs. Gibbs tells me that it's perfectly normal to have all of these feelings at the same time... especially at the end of the school year! I am going to try to focus on being grateful (one of Mrs. Gibbs favorite words) for the special year we have had together. And I will do that by snuggling up with my yearbook and cherishing all of the memories captured on these beautiful pages! And hey, if you see me walking around school with my yearbook, will you sign it for me? That way, I can read your loving words all summer long and still feel so connected to all of you!
xo Auggie
6/15/2019
I turned 1 year old on June 8th! I celebrated my birthday by going swimming with my best friend, Charlie! Charlie is a really good swimmer... like, the best! I wish I was as good of a swimmer as Charlie is, but I am not. Charlie has been swimming a lot longer than I have been, so naturally, she is better than me because she practices more! But guess what? Charlie might ALWAYS be a better swimmer than I am, even if I practice a lot. And, that is OK! There are a lot of things I am really good at (like carrying big sticks and running and giving high fives... and snuggling!). I might not ever be a good swimmer. Even though my friend is better than I am at something, I can still have fun with her! AND, I can be happy for my friend that she is such a great swimmer. She practices a lot, and she should be proud of herself! She can even retrieve sticks and toys her parents throw in the water for her! How neat is that? Maybe I will get there one day, too. But maybe I won't. And that is perfectly fine, too.
Love, 1 year old Auggie!
6/7/2019
As the school year wraps up, I have been working with the 5th graders to prepare for their transition to 6th grade! Mrs. Gibbs and I have conducted lessons with all 5th grade students to help them think about how to make new friends, but stay in contact with their Bell Top friends. We have also talked about things that are making the 5th graders nervous about transitioning to 6th grade, as well as things they are excited about. We have reiterated some important tips like keep an agenda and spend time around people who make you feel good about yourself! And last but not least... we have practiced LOCKS!! It seems as though opening a lock is the thing that the 5th graders are the most stressed about... It doesn't look that hard to me! But what do I know? I have paws.
I am going to miss the 5th graders so much when they move on to Goff Middle school, but I know that they are ready! They are kind, smart, resilient, friendly and capable. I always love how TRUSTWORTHY, RESPONSIBLE and RESPECTFUL they are with me! I just might need to go visit them next year...
xo Auggie
5/31/2019
A few weeks ago. my friend Mike Fonda from the St. Peter’s Health Partners sexual assault and crime victims assistance program visited Bell Top and provided awesome lessons to all of the classrooms! He talked about what to do if someone ever tries to touch or see the private parts of your body that are covered by your bathing suit. Mike had 4 VERY important steps!
1. Say NO or STOP
2. Get away
3. Tell an adult you trust (see the picture below for the definition of trustworthiness!!!)
4. Keep telling until someone believes you and helps you
Mike gave Mrs. Gibbs some posters with this information to hang up. There is one in Mrs. Gibbs office, one in the nurse's office (Mrs. Secor) and one in the main office. I am proud of the students for being responsible, respectful and mature citizens of their community during these conversations that sometimes make us feel uncomfortable! And I am grateful for Mike Fonda for sharing his knowledge and wisdom with Bell Top, and me!
Love, Auggie
5/28/2019
I had so much fun at my first field day last week! It was so much fun to sit under the table in the ribbons tent with Mrs. Willis and Mrs. Gibbs and watch all of the students of Bell Top try their hardest in their competitions! I saw so many students being good sports and congratulating the other students they were competing against! I also loved seeing students who didn't win walk around with a smile on their face. We cannot be good at everything we try, and we don't always win. I work really hard at dog school! But there are some things I am really good at, and some things I struggle with. And Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Willis always tell me that is ok! They also tell me that trying and failing at something is super important. Mrs. Gibbs says it's what makes us strong! Like raising your hand in the classroom even when you are not 100% sure that you have the answer correct. Or competing in an event at field day even if you think you might lose. Or for me, trying new big scary agility tricks at dog school even though I am not going to get it right the first time! These types of things make us stronger and RESILIENT-- which is one of Mrs. Gibbs most favorite words. I am proud of the students of Bell Top for being so resilient, trying their hardest, and being great sports!
p.s. If there was a stick carrying competition in field day, I do think that I would probably win! I am very confident in my stick carrying abilities!
xo Auggie
5/8/2019
Wow... I am finally back to school and boy does it feel good! After a long April break, I got sick and wasn't able to come to school for about a week. Just like how when the students of Bell op get sick, they have to stay home! Well, being at home is not nearly as fun as being at school. I am so glad to be back! It was so nice to see the happy, smiling, friendly faces of all of you today!
xo Auggie
4/17/19
I had so much fun at the color run yesterday! I am so grateful for our amazing PTO for continuing to put on such great events for our community here at Bell Top! It was so much fun to watch all of the students run around yesterday... I wanted to join! I did get a little bit of color on me from all of the amazing hugs and pets I received throughout the afternoon. Mrs. Gibbs had to give me a bath when we got home! I don't love getting a bath, but I know it's part of my RESPONSIBILITIES! Just like how it is your responsibility to practice personal hygiene by showering, washing your hair, brushing your teeth... it is my responsibility to cooperate when Mrs. Gibbs gives me a bath or brushes my teeth! If she didn't then I would be so stinky and no one would want to be my friend!
I will miss you all so much over spring break! I cannot wait to see you when we get back! Love, Auggie
4/16/2019
Check out the video of me at training! Mrs. Willis & Mrs. Gibbs spend every Saturday taking me to dog school so that they can train me to be the best therapy dog I can be! At the end of training, we have some fun with agility. I don't always get it the first time, but I don't get upset about it! I know that I have to keep practicing. I keep my positive, growth mindset and just keep trying!
xo Auggie
4/11/2019
Mrs. Gibbs brings me in to Mrs. Monk's classroom in the morning, and I look forward to it every day! I greet all of the students, walk around and check out the morning work they are working on, and sometimes have a rest on the carpet. The kindergarten students are so RESPONSIBLE (our character education pillar of the month) with me! They know to give me a little pet, then focus back to their work. They know to tell Mrs. Gibbs if I have picked up a yummy pencil or crayon on the floor instead of trying to get it out of my mouth. They stay focused on their work, while making me feel safe comfortable and welcome in their classroom. I am so grateful for the responsible students in Mrs. Monk's classroom!
Love, Auggie
4/4/19
I love working with students in Mrs. Willis' and Mrs. Gibbs' offices... Sometimes students read to me, sometimes they teach me how to write, sometimes they tell me about their feelings... I am so grateful that the students of Bell Top trust me and invite me into these learning expediences with them! One friend taught me that a period goes at the end of a sentence! How neat is that? Here are some pictures of some Bell Toppers throughout this year reading and writing with me. This was before my haircut... WOW I look different!
Love, Auggie
3/29/2019
I had so much fun last night reading with so many of my Bell Top friends! It was so fun to be at school in the evening, doing something I enjoy so much... READING!!! Well, I didn't read, but Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis did... and they chose great books! Mrs. Gibbs read Pig the Pug... a story about a very selfish pug dog that doesn't want to share. Mrs. Willis read the first story in a chapter book about a puppy that leaves it's mom and all of it's siblings behind... If you want to know what happens to the puppy, pick up a copy of Shelby's Story! I am also so grateful for all of the purchases made at the book fair last night. The money from the books purchased last night goes into a fund for me to get the things I need, like a new collar and medicine! Thank you so much, Bell Top family, for coming out to a special event last night! And great job on your paw print bookmarks... they look AWESOME!!!
Love, Auggie
March 2019
I GOT A HAIRCUT!!! The students of Bell Top have been so kind, giving me compliments every day about my haircut. It makes me feel good because when I got my hair cut, I felt a little bit uncomfortable and embarrassed at first. Have you ever felt this way when you have gotten a hair cut, new glasses, or maybe braces or lost a tooth? I didn't feel like myself for a day, and felt a little bit sad too. But my hair has already grown back a little bit, and with the love from all of the students of Bell Top, I am feeling like myself again! Thank you for loving me unconditionally, no matter what my hair looks like. I hope that you give and receive unconditional love every day!
xo Auggie
3/22/2019
On Saturdays, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Willis take me to training! Going to training is school for me to learn how to be the best therapy dog I can be! I learn cool tricks that I bring back and show you all at Bell Top! But, I also learn important things like how to be safe and RESPONSIBLE! Responsibility is our character education pillar now! And just like St. Patrick's day, the color of responsibility is green! To help you remember, think of green like being responsible with your money, and with the earth! When I am learning how to be responsible, I am learning how to walk down the hallway while practicing self control, playing in a way that is safe with students and other dogs, and listening to Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis when they call my name. I met a new friend at training... Allie Navarette's dog! Allie is in 3rd grade at Mrs. Gigliello's class here at Bell Top. Allie is a good friend of mine, and now her dog is too! Here is a picture of us taking a break at training to say hi to each other!
Have a great weekend!
Love, Auggie
3/15/2019
I had so much fun watching Mrs. Taylor give out prizes for students who found the leprechaun at the St. Patrick's Day assembly yesterday! When I realized that some of my 5th grade friends were sitting on the floor, I got so excited to see them and say hello! Seeing a sea of green in the cafeteria was such a fun way to celebrate this holiday!
I hope you have a LUCKY weekend!
xo Auggie
3/4/2019
I had the best time with the 5th graders on Friday! Mrs. Gibbs met with all 5th grade students in the library to talk about digital citizenship, as citizenship was our pillar of character education for the last few weeks! Mrs. Gibbs was reading a book to Mrs. Bernard's class called Technology Tail... I was so intrigued, I joined them on the carpet! I learned so much... One new thing I learned from this book is that before you type something on the computer or on your phone, it is important that you "put on your THINK gloves"! That means, ask yourself these questions before posting something!
Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?
If you can answer yes to all of those questions, then post or send your message! If you cannot answer yes to these questions, then delete delete delete!
xo Auggie
2/14/2019
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! This is my first Valentines day, and I think I am going to LOVE it! I have already received Valentines from the kindergartners in Mrs. Richardson's class, and they made my heart feel so warm! Isn't it nice to receive Valentines? I wonder if spreading love, like we do with giving valentines, could continue even after this special day... Think of how warm and fuzzy your heart feels when you receive a valentine with your name on it! Now, think of how special you feel if that Valentine is personal to you... Think about how you feel when someone asks you a question about something you like! It means they have listened to you, and remember something about you! Doesn't that feel good? The students in Mrs. Richardson's class know that I ride in the car every day to Bell Top with Mrs. Gibbs. So, in their valentines, they asked me about my car rides! They asked me what I do in the car, if I like it, what I look at... it made me feel so loved that they remembered this about me enough to ask more questions about it!
I hope you enjoy Valentines day! I also hope that even when it isn't Valentines day, you continue to show people (and animals) that you care about them by giving them loving notes and asking them questions and remembering things they have told you in the past.
LOVE, Auggie
2/4/2019
February is the month of LOVE, with Valentine's Day only 10 days away! Mrs. Gibbs always says that she loves love. And I love love too! I love feeling loved, and I love showing my love to all of the humans and dogs in my life. I am so grateful for all of the people in Bell Top who show me love daily... A few are below! Can you identify who these special, loving people are?
With LOVE, Auggie
1/21/2019
I have officially survived my first snow storm! And not only did I survive, but I am thriving! I absolutely LOVE the snow. I have only experienced a small amount of snow up until the storm yesterday, so it was a little intimidating when I woke up yesterday morning and Mrs. Gibbs brought me outside and I was greeted by a wall of snow! But I quickly remembered how much I love it, and I have spent the past two days pouncing in it! I could spend all day outside playing in the snow... the cold doesn't bother me one bit! When you have as much fluffy fur as I do, it kind of feels like I am always wearing a winter coat! I hope you all have had a great 3 day weekend and have enjoyed the snow as much as I have!
xo Auggie
1/8/2019
Mrs. Gibbs introduced our new pillar of CITIZENSHIP in our pillars of character education on Friday on the announcements! Mrs. Gibbs and I are looking forward to learning what citizenship means to the students of Bell Top, as well as educating students on different ways they can exercise their citizenship. I am excited to learn about this pillar, but I did want to remind everyone that just because we are done with past pillars (respect, fairness and caring) doesn't mean that they aren't important anymore!
In the days leading up to the holiday vacation. Mrs. O'Neil's class worked with Mrs. Gibbs on a very special project-- The 12 Days of Caring! In this program. Mrs. O'Neil's 3rd grade class invited the staff and students of Bell Top to show how they care for others by expressing love, concern and thoughtfulness in many different ways! The students also created a beautiful bulletin board with the help of Mrs. O'Neil.
Check out all of the different ways that the Bell Top community showed they care below!
350 apologies made
700 cards made and given
1,050 chores completed
1,400 invitations to play at recess with someone you don’t know
1,750 HUGS!!!
2,100 friends helped
2,450 things shared… toys, candy, etc
2,800 pieces of trash/litter picked up!!!
3,150 compliments given
3,050 HIGH FIVES!
3,850 people who’s spirits have been lifted by your words of encouragement
4,200 smiles at friendly faces you don't know!
I am proud of the students and staff of Bell Top for taking on this challenge! I also feel very lucky to work at a school with such a loving and caring atmosphere! Even thought we are moving on to citizenship as our next pillar, I challenge you to continue to show your love, care, and concern for other people with the knowledge, exercises and skills you obtained through the 12 days of caring!
With love, care and concern!
Your friend, Auggie
1/3/2019
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday break! I sure did. Mrs. Gibbs took me on many walks, and I was able to spend time with my best friend, Charlie! I love playing with Charlie. I have a lot of energy, though, and sometimes Charlie doesn't want to play any more with me. It is difficult for me to calm down and relax around her when she needs a break from playing, because I am just so excited to be around her! Mrs. Gibbs showed me that when Charlie doesn't want to play anymore, and I still do, that Charlie has been using one of Kelso's choices to solve this problem. Charlie walks away! It makes me feel sad, but it also helps me to understand that she doesn't want to play anymore. I am happy that Charlie uses Kelso's choices instead of being mean to me. That shows me that she respects me and cares about our friendship.
Your friend, Auggie
12/16/2018
I had a very special weekend. Mrs. Gibbs took me to meet this magical man! I got to sit with him and tell him how good all of the students of Bell Top have been this year. I told him how grateful I am that the children of Bell Top are so tolerant of me and my learning process becoming a therapy dog. I told him that everyone from Bell Top belongs on the nice list... teachers, too!
Ho ho ho!
Auggie
12/13/2018
I have learned this week that being in an elementary school during the holiday season is VERY exciting! Mrs. Gibbs and so many students seem to wear holiday themed clothing every day, there is holiday music playing, many teachers have fire places going on their promethean boards, and all of the doors are decorated! It is so exciting, but it can be a little overwhelming for a little puppy like me. I wonder if some of the students feel the same way. I am having so much fun! But I also need to practice some of my coping skills to deal with these excited, silly, unfocused, distracted, hyper and antsy feelings. One of my favorite coping skills is to spend time with people who make me feel safe and supported, loved and cared for. It is so nice to have quiet time in Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Willis' office with students, especially when they are calm, quiet and loving like my friend in this picture. The friends of Bell Top always make me feel this way! Whether its students or staff, I am one lucky puppy to be able to be around such kind, safe, loving people every day.
<3 Auggie
12/5/2018
Thank you to Mrs. Lussier & Mrs. Ferriero for the story walk! Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis take me through the woods throughout the day and I always appreciate the story walk. I love being outside, I love stories, and I love walking, so it is no surprise that I always look at Mrs. Gibbs or Mrs. Willis when we get outside, begging them to take me through the woods. It's getting colder out, which humans seem to complain about, but I love the cold weather! Being the fuzzy dog that I am, it's kind of like I am always wearing a fur coat. I know that humans don't have fur coats, but I think that humans should put on their jackets, get outside, and try to have fun, despite the dropping temperatures! It's still so refreshing and invigorating to get outside. I challenge you to KEEP going outside to play, even as it continues to get colder.
In one of the pictures below, the story says, "It wanted food. It wanted to play. Actually, it wanted a lot of attention". You will have to walk through the story stroll to learn what "IT" is, but Mrs. Gibbs thought that this page was actually a great description of me! What can I say... I love food. I love playing. And I LOVE attention, and am grateful that I get it from the students of Bell Top daily!
xo Auggie
12/2/2018
WOW... Mrs. Gibbs warned me that the holidays would be fun, but I didn't realize just how much fun they would be! Mrs. Gibbs and I have had so much fun this holiday season so far. Thanksgiving break was very special. We played and rested, and I hope you all did too! Now it feels like everywhere I look, there are twinkling lights and red and green or blue and white decorations. It is so pretty! I have a good feeling about what's to come this month!
Ho ho ho!
Auggie
11/20/2018
I got to spend some time with some 5th grade boys today... we had a blast! Their teacher asked Mrs. Gibbs if they could spend some time with be because they were working so hard, and their teacher was so proud of them for working so hard. I love when students work hard and earn me as a reward! I love spending time with students... so it is a reward for me, too! When we do good things, good things happen to us. Mrs. Gibbs is always talking about karma. She says "what goes around, comes back around". She tells me that that means that when I am on my best behavior and follow the rules, good things happen (like treats!). When I do something I am not supposed to do, there is a consequence for my actions. I am proud of these boys for doing their best, and thankful that their teacher chose me as a reward for their good work!
xo Auggie
11/14/2018
I have officially experienced my first snow! I know that I talk a lot on here about how new things can feel scary, but being a 5 month old puppy, everything is new to me!! I was hesitant at first... what is this white fluffy stuff? Why is it so cold? Why does it turn into water when I touch it? Well... my worries quickly dissolved when I pounced in! So, pounce in! Take a chance! You don't know that you will love something until you try it! I have heard so many people grumbling about this stuff called snow. What I want to say back to them is, BRING IT ON!
love, polar bear Auggie
11/13/2018
I recently went into Ms. Bernard's classroom to spend some time with her 5th grade students. I had such a great time! Mrs. Gibbs brought me in because the students in Ms. Bernard's class had earned time with me. Well, what really happened was that a few of them had earned a reward. This team of students decided to spend time with me as their reward! This made my heart feel so full of love and joy! These students also decided to share their time with me with their peers, instead of keeping me all to themselves! I was blown away by their CARING compassion. Caring is our character education pillar right now, and Ms. Bernard's class has set the bar high by caring so much about each other, as well as caring to spend time with me! They always show me love and respect by cleaning up their classroom before I enter, keeping the volume of their voices low, and not reaching for my head (that makes me feel scared and uncomfortable). I know that my friends in Ms. Bernard's room care about me, and I care about them a whole lot, too! Below are some pictures from my special day with my special 5th grade friends.
xoxxx Auggie
November 1st, 2018
I experienced my very first Halloween yesterday! I was not thrilled about wearing a costume at first, but then I really grew to enjoy being a little bunny rabbit! The students of Bell Top had been guessing my costume for the entire month of October, so the pressure was on to deliver something good! All day long before I put my costume on and Mrs. Gibbs put her bunny ears on, the students had thought that she had dressed up as me! I understand why... her fluffy white vest looked just like my fur! Yesterday was a great reminder of how lucky I am to go to Bell Top! What a fun celebration! The parade with the marching band was so cool! It was the first time I had ever experienced a marching band... it made me a little scared a first (fitting for the spooky holiday that is Halloween), but Mrs. Gibbs always says that when we do something new or have a new experience that it is normal to feel a little afraid and uncomfortable! Eventually, I loved the marching band and laughed at Mrs. Gibbs who couldn't help but to dance her whole way through the parade!
I love Bell Top celebrations!
Love, Auggie the bunny (pictures below)
October 29th, 2018
I think it is safe to say that fall is officially here! This makes me feel so happy. With all of my fur and fluff, I get so hot so easily. I am loving the nice cool weather! I love playing in the leaves at Mrs. Gibbs' house and love feeling the cool breeze blow through my fluffy fur. Because it has gotten colder, I have noticed that we are spending more time inside... which I am loving because that means I get to READ!!! Well, I don't know exactly how to read but some friends in Mrs. Willis' room are teaching me! I do know that I love libraries, though! Whenever Mrs. Gibbs brings me into the library, I get so happy. I sniff around trying to find the best book. Mrs. Gibbs also loves libraries and reading. All of this cozy fall weather has me excited to read more... and to be read to more by the kind children of Bell Top! I love snuggling up with some friends and a good book! AND exploring the library! There are so many good finds in there! Take a look around! Below, you will see some pictures of me picking out a book... I really like books about airplanes!
<3 Auggie
October 26th, 2018
Boy oh boy... this school year is flying by so fast! Mrs. Gibbs warned me of that, but I am shocked that it is already October! She keeps telling me that her favorite time of year, "the holidays" are coming up, and that she is so excited. I don't know what that means, but I am excited by just about anything! She has also warned me that on Wednesday, I might feel scared, because of this special day called Halloween! I am excited and nervous all at the same time. When you feel 2 or more feelings at once, Mrs. Gibbs calls that "double dip feelings".
I have had so much fun talking about fairness in school over the last month. Last week, some of Mrs. Lyte's first graders saved up their classrom money and bought time with me! This was fair, but not equal. These students were on their best behavior and worked very hard to save their money to spend time with me. Equal would mean that everyone got the same reward or prize, even if they acted differently. Below are some pictures of me playing with them. One of my most favorite things about this day was how they showed both me and Mrs. Gibbs so much respect!
xo Auggie
October 16th, 2018
All throughout the school we are talking about FAIRNESS. Last month, we talked about respect, and I was so impressed with all of the many ways the students of Bell Top showed their respect to me! They were kind, kept their voices low and hands to themselves unless Mrs. Gibbs or Mrs. Willis gave them permission to pet me... It was so cool! The students of Bell Top impress me more and more every day. Mrs. Gibbs was explaining to me what fairness means, and she said that "everyone's needs are being met, even if it isn't equal". On the announcements, she shared the example of eating an orange, because FAIRNESS is the color orange (remember, respect is yellow, like the golden rule!) When you open up the orange, there are different parts or sections. If you were sharing this orange with a friend, but that friend was much hungrier than you, they would get more pieces of the orange. That is not equal, but it is FAIR because both you and your friends needs are being met.
This made me think of a way that I see fairness every day. When Mrs. Gibbs and I walk down the hallway, there are students who run up to her and say "Mrs. Gibbs! Do I get to go with you today?" and a lot of the time, Mrs. Gibbs has to say "not today, but hopefully soon!" and sometimes the students respond with "but that's not fair, you see other kids more than you see me!". This breaks Mrs. Gibbs' heart because she would love to spend EQUAL time with all of the students of Bell Top, but there is not enough time in the day! There are some students who NEED to work with Mrs. Gibbs more than others. Therefore, even though Mrs. Gibbs does not split her time equally with all of the students of Bell Top, it is still FAIR, because Mrs. Gibbs is meeting the needs of the students of Bell Top.
Fairness is difficult for me to understand. It makes it easier when I remember that we all have different needs. I need dog food, human children do not. It is still FAIR that Mrs. Gibbs feeds me dog food all day long because I need it because it is how she trains me. She does not feed the students dog food all day long, because they do not NEED it!
My challenge to you: Instead of screaming out "BUT THAT'S NOT FAIR!!!" try to pause, take a mindful moment and a deep breath and think of how your needs may be different from someone else's.
Love, Auggie
Above is a picture of me being a really good boy in Mrs. Monk's kindergarten class!
Check out the link to the left to get a tee shirt with my cute little face on it! You can purchase it on the Bell Top Elementary School webstore for a short period of time, so get it while you can! All of the proceeds go to Auggie and all of his many needs!
October 8th, 2018
I have something else to say today... and it's that I just LOVE receiving mail! The other day I was playing with my toys in Mrs. Gibbs office, and then I got up and went to the door and Mrs. Gibbs couldn't understand why! When she looked over, she saw me reading a letter that a student had slid under the door! I got so excited to receive another letter, that I had to go check it out immediately! Please keep writing me letters! They are so much fun to receive, and even more fun to respond to!
xoxxx Auggie
October 8th, 2018
The other day, I got to go in Ms. Bernard's classroom, and I had SO much fun! Ms. Bernard invited Mrs. Gibbs and I into her classroom because the students in her classroom did so well at our first Final Touch assembly, and did a terrific job showing respect to in the hallways. I had so much fun in their classroom! They gave me so many pets and I loved every second of it!! Thank you, Ms. Bernard for having me in your room! I cannot wait to come back!
Love, Auggie
September 27th, 2018
Things I love: playing outside, kids, bouncy balls and the cool autumn air! Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Willis take me out in the morning to play ball and get some energy out before the school day starts. I know that if I don't do this, it is difficult for me to be ready and willing to learn in the morning. My favorite days to do this are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wanna know why? ....RUNNING CLUB!!! I love being outside for running club. One of my goals is to be able to run free with the kids in the morning at running club. Right now, I need to show Mrs. Gibbs that I can be trusted to be around kids and make safe, healthy choices when I am excited. This means that Mrs. Gibbs needs to see that I am not going to jump on kids or bark or knock anyone over! It is difficult for me to keep control over my body when I am excited. Do you ever feel that way? Right now, I will just play ball off to the side while the students run. I will do my best and work really hard to show Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis that I can be trusted to be safe around the students, and that I RESPECT them enough to not jump on them, even when I am excited!
Love, Auggie
September 20th, 2018
On Tuesday, I read this book in Mrs. Lyte's 1st grade classroom with Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Willis. It is such a great book! It teaches students how to respect dogs like me. Mrs. Gibbs put a link to the book on the resources page of this website... I love that the book teaches students appropriate ways to interact with me... It is all about RESPECT! Our character education pillar of the month! When students show respect to me, I show respect back!
September 20th, 2018
Check out the art project Ms. Powers did below! To celebrate Dot Day, Ms. Powers had all of her students create their dot. She then made one for me, Auggie, with my paw print! Then she turned all of the dots into bubbles, and created a bubble wand for me! Ms. Powers is so creative. It made me feel so happy and special that she used me in one of her amazing projects! Click the link below for more information on dot day!
September 17th, 2018
Last week was my first full week of school and I had so much fun! Every time I see students walking down the hallway, I just want to play with them! There are so many friendly faces in this school. Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Willis have brought me into so many classrooms and every single classroom I have gone into has shown me so much RESPECT, which Mrs. Gibbs has told me is the character education pillar of the month! Mrs. Gibbs and I went on the announcements on Friday 9/14 to talk about respect. I received a letter from a student asking me to define respect because they felt confused. I like this definition of respect... "YOU CARE ENOUGH ABOUT OTHERS' FEELINGS BEFORE YOU ACT". In the video below, you will see that i respect Mrs. Gibbs when she gives me a command. It's hard for me to always follow directions and listen, but I do try my hardest! Do you ever feel like you know what you are supposed to be doing, but it is still hard for you to follow directions? I know I feel that way sometimes. But I stop what I am doing, and think about how my actions make Mrs. Gibbs feel, and I choose to listen to her so that she knows that I respect her.
Check out the PICTURES page of this website to see more pictures of students respecting me when they interact with me. Below is just one picture of a 5th grade student in Mrs. Schielke's class showing me AND Mrs. Gibbs respect. In this picture, she is petting me, while looking Mrs. Gibbs in the eyes while Mrs. Gibbs gives her directions to pet me gently and slowly. She listened to Mrs. Gibbs, and is following the directions Mrs. Gibbs gave her. This is such a great example of respect in one picture!
September 6th, 2018 7:50 pm
I had a great first day of school, and I hope you all did too! It was so much fun to see all of you, and all of the teachers and parents walking around! Did any of you feel scared about the first day of school? I know I did... It was a double dip feeling kind of a day. A double dip feeling is when you have 2 feelings at once! Like today: I felt both excited and scared. I imagine it's like going on a roller coaster (which I have never done and will never do but Mrs. Gibbs told me about them!) I felt so excited to see all of my new friends at school, but I also felt some butterflies in my belly about it too. Do you know that feeling? Like there are butterflies zooming around in your stomach? I felt that this morning. But there were so many moments throughout my day today when I was having so much fun that I forgot all about the butterflies and didn't feel them at all! I hope that happened for you too. That you were able to forget about your butterflies, even if it was only for a second! What I know now is that tomorrow when I go to school, I will be more excited than scared! But, if I ever feel scared again in the future, that is ok too! It's ok to be scared! It's ok to be excited! It's ok to have double dip, or even triple dip feelings too!
And now after this scary and exciting first day, it's time for me to go to sleep! I can barely keep my eyes open! Below are 2 pictures Mrs. Gibbs took of me today! I loved wearing my back to school themed bandana!
See you tomorrow!
Auggie
September 4th, 2018
Today was a great day! I came to school and I got to meet all of the teachers at Bell Top! It made me feel so excited to come to school every day. I am such a lucky little puppy! All of the teachers at Bell Top were so nice, just like Ms. Gibbs told me! I took a nap in Mrs. Gibbs office today while she was at a meeting... all of this summer fun has made me one sleepy puppy! I love my crate in Mrs. Gibbs' office, and look forward to spending time in Mrs. Gibbs' office, as well as throughout the school! Hopefully the temperature drops though... today was HOT!
Enjoy your last day of summer! I can't wait to see all of you so soon!
Auggie
August 22nd, 2018
Happy Wednesday! Today, I went on a very special field trip! Mrs. Gibbs lives right down the street from a preschool that her friend Jenna owns and runs. So, Mrs. Gibbs and I walked down to Community Roots School and met 8 new friends! These friends were all 4 years old, and great listeners! Mrs. Gibbs told them to pet me from my neck to my tail, while she pet my head, and all of the kids listened to her directions! They were so gentle with me, which I really liked. All of the petting made me feel so sleepy! I loved being around the kids today. It made me feel so excited that only 2 WEEKS from tomorrow I get to meet all of you! I hope that you all will be just as good of listeners as these little 4 year olds were today. Mrs. Gibbs tells me all the time that Bell Top kids are nice and fun and great listeners-- I cannot wait to see this when we get to school! I love kids!
I hope you get to meet some new people soon. I have met so many new people since I moved in with Mrs. Gibbs. Meeting new people can be scary. Doing anything new can feel scary! But it is so important to do new things, even when, and especially when they are scary. That is what builds our confidence! Meeting 8 kids was scary for me today. But now I know that I LOVE kids! Now I won't be scared when I go to school and see all of you in 2 weeks! But if I didn't meet those kids today, I probably would have been scared to meet all of you. So, my challenge to you in the next 2 weeks, is to get out of your comfort zone and do something that is scary or uncomfortable for you. I cannot wait to hear all about the scary things that you faced when school starts!
Put on your superhero cape and face something scary! You can do it!
Love, Auggie
August 14th, 2018
Hello again! It's me, Auggie! I wanted to share some thoughts about doing hard things. Being that I am just a little puppy, so many things are hard for me. There are so many things that I am too small to do, and just so many things that I can't do... YET! But I have learned something about perseverance since I came home with Mrs. Gibbs. PERSEVERANCE is a really big word! It means that you keep trying, even when something is hard. Perseverance means that you don't give up when something is challenging or difficult for you. I know that when things get hard you want to give up. Everything is hard for me right now! I am so small and so young, sometimes it feels like I can't do anything. But... I just keep trying. I PERSEVERE! So, when I first got home with Mrs. Gibbs, I was really scared of the stairs up to front door of our apartment. I didn't want to even look at them, let alone try to walk up them! But every day, I got closer to them. Then one day I put on foot on them, then another foot... then one day I climbed one step! It was SO SCARY! When I got on that step, I cried and cried and waited for Mrs. Gibbs to pick me up and save me from the scary steps. She held me and told me that she believed in me. It made me feel so warm inside to know that someone believed in me. Can you think of someone who believes in you? Someone who believes in you is someone who cheers you on, just like Mrs. Gibbs does when I try to go up the steps! Well, with Mrs. Gibbs cheering me on, I finally have been able to go up the steps! Sometimes I still don't want to do it, but I know I can. I also know that it is so important to PERSEVERE and keep trying, even through something is so difficult. You never know, you may surprise yourself and be able to do it some day! Check out the video below of me finally running up the steps! I feel so proud of myself, and happy that I have people who believe in me. Take a moment today to think about the people who believe in you! Who is your cheerleader?
Now... going down the steps? That is still too scary for me... but I get closer and closer to taking that first step every day!
Love, Auggie
August 5th, 2018
Hello! It's me, Auggie! I am so excited to meet all of you.. boys and girls, parents, teachers and community members. Right now, I am just a tiny, sleepy, hungry puppy! My mom (Mrs. Gibbs) and Mrs. Willis picked me up on Saturday July 28th. I was scared to leave because I had to say goodbye to my dog mom and dog dad and puppy siblings. But mom and Mrs. Willis made me feel more comfortable and safe. I slept pretty much the whole way home (3 hours) to my mom's house in saratoga Springs. Since then, I have been having so much fun! Learning new smells, playing with my mom (and dad! Mrs. Gibbs' husband), sleeping, and eating. Growing is hard work, so I spend most of my day asleep, just like human babies do! Right now, my favorite toys are my red kong, my blue bone, and my purple squirrel. It's hard for me to sleep all the way through the night without waking up, but I am trying my hardest! My mom (Mrs. Gibbs) is very patient with me, and I really like waking up in the morning and playing with her. I am learning how to walk on a leash which isn't my most favorite activity, but my mom and dad make it enjoyable with treats. I cant wait to meet you all! I will be visiting Bell Top soon to see where I will be working every day. My mom will put more pictures on here about that visit. I am sure I will love it! Well, it's time for my lunch, so I've gotta go. Have a PAWsome day!
Love, Auggie
