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Bayonne School District staff introduce therapy-dog visits, teacher reports reduced student stress
Summary
At an open workshop, a district staff member introduced two therapy dogs, Mabel and Ernie, and outlined a districtwide pilot that will use parent permission slips; teacher Danielle said the visits lowered test anxiety and boosted reading confidence in third graders.
A staff member for the Bayonne School District introduced two therapy dogs, Mabel and Ernie, at the board’s open workshop and described plans to expand supervised animal-assisted visits across district schools.
The presenter said the program will roll out with districtwide permission slips and that any student who does not wish to participate may opt out. The presenter also said the arrangement for the dogs and handlers would be recorded on district personnel records (transcribed phrase: 'classified as a substitute teacher on a prdm basis'); the district said additional operational details will be provided to parents and staff.
Teacher Danielle said the dogs produced immediate benefits in early classroom visits. "The first week of school my kids were bringing up the state test and I was like, 'Why are you guys thinking about a state test?'": she said. "Mabel came in—we had both third grades, 46 kids...not one parent said no; they were all excited." Danielle added that students created a book dedicated to Mabel and that visits helped several children feel more confident reading: "Mabel is a great listener and Mabel didn't judge me when I was reading to her."
The presenter added that Ernie has also participated in outreach with athletic groups, saying Ernie had been "down at the soccer field and the football field and the cheerleaders and the band." The presenter said consent forms will be distributed districtwide before visits begin.
No formal motion or vote was recorded on the workshop transcript. The board concluded the open workshop and said the district will circulate more details and permission materials to families.
