Tecumseh Middle School introduces facility dog Daisy to support students' social-emotional needs

Tecumseh Public Schools introduced a facility dog named Daisy to its middle school to help students manage anxiety, stress and traumatic reactions and to support classroom activities such as reading. Mr. Hilton, who presented the item at the board meeting, said Daisy is a “professionally trained dog to serve specifically in educational environments” and described the animal’s intended in-school duties. The program’s backers said Daisy will provide morning check-ins, classroom visits and planned or spontaneous one-on-one support. Deb Followell, one of Daisy’s handlers, said, “Daisy is doing phenomenal. There have been bad moments, but not bad days at the middle school. Because when it gets overwhelming or stressful, you just see Daisy and you see the kids' excitement.” District staff emphasized that Daisy will work alongside trained handlers and that veterinary care and supplies are provided through community donations. Mr. Hilton thanked donors by name for funding or in-kind support: Catherine Whelan (Whelan Insurance Agency) donated the dog; veterinary care is provided by Dr. Major of Companion Animal Clinic; Wags to Whiskers donated supplies; Kiwanis (represented by Ron Ploblisky and Tracy Hendrick) contributed funds for a coat and patches; Avis Albine at Pooch Parlor will provide grooming; Mary Tomlin and Vicki Bridal assisted with organization and made Daisy’s vest; handlers are Deb Followell and Nicole Farrell. Board members and staff asked operational questions about Daisy’s daily schedule and handlers; staff said Daisy will be full time at the middle school and will also support occasional outside-of-school events. The board invited community partners to the meeting to introduce Daisy and acknowledged that volunteer fundraising and donations made the placement possible. No formal board action or policy change was recorded at the meeting regarding the dog’s placement. Daisy’s initial deployment will focus on calming services, social-emotional support, and literacy activities such as children reading to the dog — activities staff said have shown positive effects in some studies and in local classroom practice. The district said handlers have received specialized training and the program will continue to rely on community partners for ongoing non-operational costs. The board did not take a formal vote related to the program at this meeting; staff indicated they will continue implementation and follow up with trustees if questions arise.