Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Therapy Dog Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Riverwoods Elementary highlights therapy dog Oakley’s role in student well-being
Summary
Riverwoods Elementary staff and McHenry Police Department partners presented a program featuring Oakley, a therapy dog, saying Oakley supports students’ emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, appears in school communications and fundraising, and will be included in yearbook pages.
Riverwoods Elementary presented to the McHenry School District 15 board on Dec. 10 about its partnership with the McHenry Police Department and Oakley, a therapy dog that staff say supports students’ emotional well-being.
Principal Cannon introduced school staff and McHenry Police personnel and described activities that include classroom visits, library (LMC) visits and short interactions designed to reduce stress and support emotional regulation. "These trained dogs provide comfort and companionship, helping students feel more at ease, especially at times in which they might feel anxiety, stress, or have social challenges," a presenter said.
A video shown to the board included multiple student and staff testimonials. Students described Oakley as calming: one student said Oakley was "super soft and super cute" and another said they cry less when they see the dog. School staff thanked volunteers and coordinators (including Jason, Christine Romer and Jen Tasi) for scheduling and logistics.
Presenters noted Oakley will appear in the yearbook and that Oakley-themed merchandise will be available to help raise funds to support therapy-dog activities through the police department’s program.
Next steps: The presentation closed with thanks to partners and an invitation for students and families to take photos; no board action was required on this item.
