Apple Valley highlights public art, therapy dog program and a planned bike-bus pilot

Heidi Sutton, principal of Apple Valley Elementary, told the board on April 22 about a recently installed multi-panel art project funded through a Washington State ArtsWA partnership and the school’s efforts to build student belonging through assemblies, morning meetings and a therapy-dog program.

Sutton described a four-panel, silk-screen-on-metal art installation created by visiting artist Cara Entellus (as presented to the board) that draws imagery from Cowiche Canyon and Yakima Valley plants and wildlife. She said the project was grant-funded (stated in presentation as paid for via grants), involved students in screen-print activities and was installed in the main hallway over the gym. Facilities staff coordinated installation and the school unveiled the work at a student assembly.

Sutton said Apple Valley tracks safety-and-belonging survey results and cited improvement in measures such as “I feel safe at school,” and “I enjoy coming to school,” which the school attributes to morning meetings, assemblies and other climate work. She said families and staff reported high percentages on several survey questions (examples given in the presentation), and that staff plan next steps to address attendance dips.

Teacher Lori Barber introduced Winnie, a three-legged therapy dog who is certified through Love on a Leash and AKC programs and visits the school three days per week. Barber described Winnie’s training and use: calming students for reading-aloud activities, visiting classrooms and supporting students who arrive upset. Sutton and Barber said the program follows precautionary measures; Barber noted that Winnie is supervised, trained to obey commands such as “leave it,” is never off-leash in unsupervised situations, and staff accommodate students or staff who prefer not to interact.

Sutton also described a planned “Hop on the Wave” bike-bus pilot for May and June intended to encourage biking and boost attendance. The project will map neighborhood routes, set drop-off locations, and invite students to join district staff and volunteers on a supervised group bike ride to school. Sutton said the school applied for a Seahawks community-schools grant to purchase bikes or scooters for students who lack equipment and emphasized helmet use.

The principal said Apple Valley continues to use morning meetings, student recognition, and a school counselor to support safety and belonging; she noted the building opened about four years ago and is filling additional rooms as enrollment grows.