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Hamilton schools introduce 'Arrow,' a certified therapy dog; district seeks more through donations
Summary
Hamilton City Schools introduced Arrow, the district’s first AKC‑certified therapy dog, funded entirely by community donations and partners. Officials said the district aims to add four to five dogs a year so each school eventually has a therapy dog; no district funds will be used.
Board and staff introduced Arrow, the Hamilton City School District’s first certified therapy dog, explaining the animal will serve students and staff to reduce anxiety and support attendance and behavior.
"Arrow is the Hamilton City School District's first therapy dog. She is certified through the AKC as a certified therapy dog," a staff presenter said. Board members and staff emphasized that Arrow was funded entirely through community donations and partnerships (Leadership Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation and private donors), and that no district dollars were used for Arrow’s placement.
District representatives said research supports therapy animals' positive effects on student anxiety, attendance and behavior, and that Arrow will be part of a proactive strategy. The superintendent’s remarks noted a goal to onboard four to five dogs per year so the district could eventually place a dog in each school; the program will rely on community fundraising and partner organizations for costs.
What the board did: the program introduction was informational; no new district budget appropriation was recorded at the meeting. Staff said fundraising and partnerships have covered costs to date.
Provenance: presentation introducing Arrow and program goals (topic intro at SEG 539; topic finish at SEG 575).
