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Castle Elementary highlights student voices and therapy dog 'Duncan' in school spotlight
Summary
Principal Adam Schmidt presented student-generated statements and a video about John H. Castle Elementary. Staff described a therapy dog, Duncan, who supports social‑emotional learning and assists in classrooms, OT and speech sessions.
Principal Adam Schmidt and Castle Elementary staff presented the school’s spotlight to the Warrick County School Corporation board on Feb. 10, sharing a student‑created video and a series of student statements about school culture, activities and supports.
Schmidt said the school centers decisions on the question “Is this what is best for kids?” and introduced student council members who shared 32 student‑generated statements about their experiences. Students and staff praised classroom activities, available clubs and the school’s efforts to welcome newcomers and support social and academic needs.
Staff also described Duncan, the school’s goldendoodle therapy dog. Lane Steeler, Duncan’s handler, told the board that Duncan “has spent countless hours at John H. Castle providing social emotional supports to our student and staff.” Steeler said Duncan follows the school schedule, helps teach empathy and responsibility, attends occupational therapy and speech classes, serves as a reading buddy and classroom greeter, and was used in videos to help incoming kindergarteners learn rules and procedures. The handler said the dog is also used as a classroom reward and a stress reliever during testing season.
The spotlight included thanks to parent volunteers, the PTO and teachers for student supports. The presentation concluded with students invited to shake hands with board members; no formal board action resulted from the spotlight segment.
