[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6279746,"mediaKeyId","2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38","parentId",2620174,"title","Swansea presenters outline phased plan to expand therapy-dog visits across district","audioSeconds",1036,"startMs",489000,"endMs",1525000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38&start=489&end=1525","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38/thumbnail_489000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6279746/Massachusetts/Swansea-presenters-outline-phased-plan-to-expand-therapy-dog-visits-across-district","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279746-a56eb45e5079f9f79a643fda5efe8f1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180230&Signature=Heee7XSzTO9S5FzxxU9N3qRmhxm9FksJUNZqJGwaXPuuZJO7UCRQfw5dqrlABp1VeaUXi0~p4v4O-a9yOxgV5P49egNvI5Y7MjItd5CwGaboIkP0yMSaYF81pTE9TVc84ulf6D2gOn3Eo2MZHClPAYdzl0Yl-N4aXiUFjBQhxvTKV2KbWS39Rm6JtYc4d5Ka311-yTRT2y5Tjl6jHuviPVH0QgTxPIPqSnB5JQ5amzDeBRbuVNPZyH8wmb4sXC7sp1cy1TW-gD2kQ42cixDmWWBJtwpG2R8lXbk0~anagZKCz7SWLVZap8V2nAap2nBxhKc1tUg9VrnRxZK6-3UCsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Swansea Public Schools, MA","date","2025-03-10T00:00:00Z","article","Don Silva of the American Legion and school leaders told the Swansea School Committee on March 10 that a therapy-dog program that began at Luther Elementary this winter has been well received and officials want to expand it to all six Swansea Public Schools.

The presenters said the program’s immediate goal is to formalize a schedule of visits and to certify locally owned dogs so they can visit classrooms, library sessions and school events. “As soon as Noodles showed up, what did everybody do? Go right to Noodles and a smile came on your face,” said Nick Overy, a school principal involved with the pilot, describing the calming effect dogs have shown among students.

The presentation outlined three implementation phases. Phase 1, now under way, increases visit frequency at Luther with volunteer handlers and community partners such as K9 Comfort and Kids and Canines. Phase 2 would extend periodic visits from proven handlers and visiting teams to other elementary and secondary buildings. A later phase would certify district handlers’ dogs — including two Labradors owned by Superintendent Scott C. Holcomb — with the K9 Good Citizen Certificate and roll them into a regular rotating schedule of Friday visits grouped by grade clusters.

Program leaders emphasized safeguards. Student participation requires parental permission; school nurses track allergy or medical concerns and opt-out arrangements are made for students with health risks. Handlers and dogs must complete training and testing that covers walking through crowds, stress signs and public‑setting behavior. Don Silva and other presenters also said they are accounting for liability and insurance before expanding visits.

Presenters described a variety of roles for therapy dogs: one-on-one reading support in the library, calming presence in hallways or offices, attendance at PTO nights and school ceremonies. Luther’s pilot is scheduled into library rotation times so students may read for 20-minute sessions with the dog and handler.

Committee members praised the pilot’s planning and uptake. Several members noted the program’s relatively low budget impact because many handlers volunteer and Holcomb said he will personally cover veterinary and care costs for his dogs. The presenters said the district will continue using outside therapy teams while training local handlers; no districtwide policy change or formal vote was requested at the meeting.

District staff said they will return with operational details and any formal policy or contract language needed to continue and expand the program.

Sources: Presentation to the Swansea School Committee, March 10, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Swansea School Committee Meeting March 10th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Don Silva of the American Legion and school leaders told the Swansea School Committee on March 10 that a therapy-dog program that began at Luther Elementary this winter has been well received and officials want to expand it to all six Swansea Public Schools.","taxTitle","Swansea Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",69255,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279737,"Joseph Case High highlights peer‑partnership course; students describe social and academic benefits",547,1655000,2202000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38&start=1655&end=2202","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38/thumbnail_1655000.jpg","/articles/6279737/Massachusetts/Joseph-Case-High-highlights-peerpartnership-course-students-describe-social-and-academic-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279737-a216e0469108f1a4124d02c1bd46133d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180230&Signature=aKXfJje~OzNU2u7mDs1Brk2J4x59NTibeyTZ1trkRP0NYwSHFh8atXt~ut2uJTACOKZ6uVfTQAy1xE3FmRJ7gyHlKgiOxeLF6EhcjgtzAeJcYXt9swuF5sRDQVQFqT2fhCgqssZ0fFVth9jDYri6x5Jwwhw7g47Zit-MLtf2VnGpWXFIYQC8XvMbX2l3~YF9BI8tbYt97rXTyJTLh~pz~-TprlnC06UMTUwKVT0hd7fG8x9zqO8g0lUd32SGOix~u0iDuIIH~tZ-YJDNlisRuNM41hCZSdcW431VWqEwuagJSS0QNuCekg8Xtodg0hWHWH2ha6JXOe8mAJsK-L25kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Principal Christopher Costa presented the new Peer Partnership service‑learning course at Joseph Case High School and invited participating students to describe their experience. The course, added this school year after a study-trip to Dartmouth High School, pairs general-education students with classmates who have disabilities for in-class support and relationship-building.

\"Peer partners will work with students with disabilities in both general and special education courses,\" Costa said, explaining the course is a semester long and focuses on self‑confidence, independence and inclusive social interactions. He said 24 students enrolled in the first semester, and 26 are enrolled in the current semester.

Two students, Alexa Figueredo and Julia Kane, addressed the committee. Alexa said the course changed her perspective on future career choices and makes her “excited to come to class daily.” Julia, a peer partner, said the partnerships help her academically and socially: “They help me with my writing. I like to play games with [peer partners] and I feel special,” she said.

Staff described curricular elements such as reflection papers and service assignments. Administrators said the class has prompted student interest in related careers — speech therapy, occupational therapy and other helping professions — and may create additional pathways for students to explore those fields in high school.

Committee members praised the program’s inclusivity and described it as a model for teaching empathy and building relationships across student groups. No policy or funding action was requested; presenters said the class was developed within the district’s program-of-studies and will continue next year if enrollment remains strong.","Principal Christopher Costa presented the new Peer Partnership service‑learning course at Joseph Case High School and invited participating students to describe their experience.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279742,"VFW group offers to sponsor repairs and programming for Brown School greenhouse",998,2652000,3650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38&start=2652&end=3650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6279742/Massachusetts/VFW-group-offers-to-sponsor-repairs-and-programming-for-Brown-School-greenhouse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279742-599ab72d5f489c0ae9876ba196010a06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180230&Signature=Gu3BuFY7JbUQCO-kFhq7PcTdvcvwDy7MsYwCSY7HoXn9F4WpbR5wpwM~sYjeWFEx8vOHc8e39WWrumDZXvD99CnDdiIvzr3z3xeuVsr5HPCpuObcDl6vO6xqytOLUSgzrjTwZHa2JtTV4nuWgq1UxVvHenHCGFGHJy9u29UuB~Z0NmnqJoX2~ps~l8YfC00-AiYCkkxBf8V68AG2SNP7a-krt0~-svV40bp0XxQBpXL2q2tTZ4wgnx08yuukvqXTe3CyyaHo2LdU6ThKAFoPUF8JOc~Il8tQ-E8DZTNa9aeo~4ZzTb8BXytwcufLzdr2mkzt5qJIQgh9oEATArMCwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John Rodriguez, service officer for VFW Post 2045, and other post members told the School Committee on March 10 they would sponsor repairs and programming for the Brown School greenhouse and asked district staff to coordinate use for student learning, therapy and community engagement.

The VFW members said the post plans to fund and help install a ventilation repair, provide electrical conduit work and help set up water access so the greenhouse can support curricular activities and hands-on gardening for students, including those in special education who may benefit from therapeutic horticulture. ‘‘There’s a therapeutic nature to it,’’ Rodriguez said, recounting how gardening helped his nonverbal autistic son expand food choices by connecting produce to meals.

Rodriguezz and the Post’s volunteers provided estimates and planting plans (for example, growing potatoes in 5-gallon buckets to yield several pounds per bucket) and outlined options for how students could use crops — from classroom projects and canning to fundraisers or take-home produce. Principal Olivia Williams and other school leaders described prior fundraising — a Flanagan grant and PTO support — that paid for the greenhouse structure, but said ventilation and utility access have delayed full use.

Committee members welcomed the offer and unanimously accepted a VFW donation described at the meeting as an estimated $1,000 toward repairs and startup costs. Superintendent Scott C. Holcomb and staff said the district will coordinate electrical work already scheduled and that the post had offered to arrange installation on a professional development day to avoid building interference.

School staff noted plans to align the greenhouse work with curriculum and special-education services, including rotating students through garden activities and using the space for science and nutrition education. The VFW representatives signed a note for the meeting minutes; school staff will enter details of the donation and next steps in district records.","VFW Post members proposed sponsoring ventilation, electrical and water work and to provide planted buckets and gardening expertise to turn Brown School’s greenhouse into an instructional, therapeutic and community-supported garden; committee accepted a VFW donation to help update the greenhouse.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279726,"School Committee votes to offer 10 school‑choice seats per high‑school grade for 2025–26",0,8761000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38&start=8761&end=8761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38/thumbnail_8761000.jpg","/articles/6279726/Massachusetts/School-Committee-votes-to-offer-10-schoolchoice-seats-per-highschool-grade-for-202526","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279726-91e0e8b7ba24731b6bb01bdd6d4fc4e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180230&Signature=emi4znDm60wi3cctVbgZLdhADb2BIERyIaTPXqjaXbNhE8sQqtN6MKA4826ovpaWucw-hft2ZP0BuFH49bfyY31SZeXlQbrXbGzRlmWoQbOqjbwipqeJGRJwYflZuK~Mzw4ak9uXEPSyS6-lKbLBNd5KXfXTXLr~Bxnu2Xd~KjoqDDXLa3pps0OMxHIdZrndcum2wjZOzjhdRCmbAkiWESAnQ6uOmXknlK-cptuFADKXSup~by7ODo8D1jtfzF0s9W2N8BxSTzBbQSefNct9m91SWyp93zLSaB5K4rUsmj6RG71otctN9I5wVrrGUV0PWrZaWPjXeAlUeN6mC77tvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Swansea School Committee voted unanimously on March 10 to participate in the Massachusetts School Choice program for the 2025–26 school year and set capacity at 10 seats per high‑school grade (9–12).

Superintendent Scott C. Holcomb presented background material showing current open slots and described the financial and operational implications of accepting nonresident students. Administration noted that, when a district accepts school‑choice students, state aid tied to those students is counted in the district’s per‑pupil totals and revenue streams. The committee discussed trade-offs including schedule conflicts for specific high‑school electives and the district’s capacity to absorb additional students without disrupting programming.

After committee discussion, a motion was made and seconded to allow school choice participation with capacities set at 10 students in each grade. The board approved the motion by voice vote with unanimous assent.

Committee and staff noted implementation details required by state law: nonresident attendance reports and seat certifications must follow Massachusetts timelines and the district must submit capacity notifications by local deadlines (the administration cited July 1 reporting and referenced Chapter 76, Section 12B for nonresident reporting). The administration will return to the committee with details about how and when applications will be accepted and how accepted students will be assigned to classes and bus routes.

The vote was recorded in open session and the administration will provide the state‑reporting documents required for school-choice participation.","The committee voted unanimously to participate in Massachusetts school-choice for the 2025–26 school year, setting capacity at 10 students in each high‑school grade (9–12); the vote carries fiscal and enrollment implications and will be reported to the state per statutory deadlines.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279731,"Elementary principals propose lottery to rebalance kindergarten class sizes across Swansea",434,4172000,4606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38&start=4172&end=4606","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620174-d75e5a5a1b7a515ef2265b1f83505b38/thumbnail_4172000.jpg","/articles/6279731/Massachusetts/Elementary-principals-propose-lottery-to-rebalance-kindergarten-class-sizes-across-Swansea","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279731-06f8200a601a4f6418a62f9c2b72d2a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180230&Signature=LktlcB7VUXbxcvt1s6vsXnVUg3fwzu3MMp9SIBGE7VsyMvpbdKKZ45heS8UqDYdElezwXj3bh-bnaCoBP27ufVmLqIFq4b5C-Qw8Tf6QajpOrdc8NEBXyRpxhEcgWSrP1LPLhzKuj4kHbJn3MdudPr0fEU7YPgoFAD4-wilEEMjY2w4PpKJ0RCrXsHnav-filN8BxViOwgjKDKB8-TEQxjoHXdA7dfIBERbpVivMv5~WXu3cid8N6j-OCY-ldAqRokiuqJ2fV1XqDP1sx3DOFEuyNLGbxSA7g6x2Z4Oy3KkfsSo2sg5Dexo9Fy1mOw1joorblqktvYW5dQ~xNp3XNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elementary leaders proposed an “elementary balanced enrollment protocol” aimed at evening out class-size disparities in this year’s incoming kindergarten cohort and discussed implementation steps with the School Committee on March 10.

Bill (last name not provided) and Principal Laura Williams (presenting the operational details) said district analysis showed significant differences across elementary schools in current kindergarten sections: Gardner School classes were notably larger than Hoyle’s. Rather than redistricting, administrators proposed a voluntary lottery the Gardner families could join to transfer between schools for the incoming kindergarten year.

The initial rollout would open five seats for the lottery, with an option to expand to 10 if impacts on other grades are minimal. The lottery period would be open for three weeks after informational letters are mailed (administrators planned letters to go March 12). The drawing is tentatively scheduled for April 7, with families to be notified by April 30. The district will allow families who opt in to include siblings in the request; administrators emphasized bus routing options for eligible students who live on district bus routes to access Hoyle bus stops.

Administrators said the plan is intentionally limited for a first year: it is designed to be small, measured and reversible if imbalances shift. Teachers and staff at each school were consulted in advance, officials said, and the plan includes a biannual review so the team can re‑assess enrollment annually and open future lotteries for other grades if needed.

Committee members supported the cooperative approach, praising the cross‑school administrative team for developing a plan without forcing families to move. Several members asked questions about transportation, siblings and the effect of summer enrollment changes; administrators said they would monitor summer enrollments before finalizing spots and would keep the process flexible.

No vote was taken; administrators will proceed with letters and a lottery if the April schedule and enrollment checks confirm the approach.","District administrators proposed a one‑time lottery option for Gardner School families to opt into openings at Hoyle School in order to reduce imbalances in kindergarten class sizes; the plan starts with up to five lottery seats, runs for three weeks, and includes safeguards for siblings, bus routing and a biannual review process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Swansea presenters outline phased plan to expand therapy-dog visits across district

Joseph Case High highlights peer‑partnership course; students describe social and academic benefits

VFW group offers to sponsor repairs and programming for Brown School greenhouse

School Committee votes to offer 10 school‑choice seats per high‑school grade for 2025–26

Elementary principals propose lottery to rebalance kindergarten class sizes across Swansea