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

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.