Every week Coco has so many wonderful things to report. What a difference she makes in the lives of the students and staff at the Robert E. Melican Middle School. It’s hard to believe things could get even better, but I think Coco’s presence on Wednesday was especially helpful. I know you are all waiting to hear what Coco has been up to, so
Here’s Coco…
This week, I went to school with Mom on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday again. I worked with many students and staff members throughout the week.
To start the day on Monday, Mom and I delivered coverage slips to classrooms and worked on obedience. Next, the principal, Mom, and I greeted the PARCC (standardized tests) proctors as they signed out materials for our school’s first round of the testing to over 70 students. Throughout the day, I met with students and Mom to check in. I also worked with the behavior specialist and with the guidance counselor with many different groups of students, in counseling situations, in studies, and in less formal situations.
On Wednesday, I started the day the same way I always do, delivering coverage slips and practicing obedience with Mom. I worked with the behavior specialist and the guidance counselor again with lots of students. Mom had to suspend a student, and she says I helped keep him calm as they went through the process. I could tell how much Mom cares for this student, but sometimes caring is taking the consequences to a higher level. The behavior has been repeated and has not changed, despite the many types of interventions tried. The student has had a tough life, and Mom acknowledged that with him, but she explained that, by not responding with a tough consequence at this point, she would be accepting that he cannot do better. She explained how much she and the other adults in the building care for him and believe in him (he was new to our school in February), and I felt his tough exterior begin to erode. During the suspension meeting, his grandmother explained to him how much she loves him, and how, unlike many things in his life, this behavior is within his control. As his grandmother cried, a tear slowly trickled down the boy’s cheek, and then another, and then another. I felt him change in those few moments and, though suspending students is Mom’s least favorite part of her job, she and I both knew it had to be done, and she showed him much caring and compassion through the process.
I went outside with Mom as students loaded buses to leave for the day. Mom wanted other students (besides the ones who get to see me regularly) to have the opportunity to see me. Many students petted me before loading the buses, and my tail wagged the entire time. After school, I spent some time in the Transitional Learning Center, and then we headed to Greenfield for class. Mom and I enjoy going to class each week as a way for us to bond and continue to grow and develop as a team.
On Friday, I helped Mom deliver classroom coverage slips again. I could tell that Mom was very stressed because of all the classes needing coverage. She was flustered, but as I walked around with her, I felt her begin to calm down – she says it was because of my presence that she was able to keep perspective and relax. Next, I attended the Leadership Team meeting with the principal, team leaders, and Mom. I lay at Mom’s feet and listened to the interesting discussions, as I drifted in and out of sleep.
Mom “handed me off” to the guidance counselor, and the student who “earns” walking me Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings said, “We’re collecting data,” as she showed me her behavior chart. “Coco, do you know what data is? Data is so I can spend time with you…” I have no clue what she was talking about, but I got a nice walk out of it. Later, Mom and I sat with a student in the guidance suite and Mom quizzed her for her upcoming social studies test. She was reviewing about the philosophers Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau…something like that. Mom used to teach history so she was able to help the student. I have no idea what they were talking about, but the student petted me as Mom quizzed her.
Lots of teachers came to visit with me on Friday. In fact, when I first got out of the car at 6:15 a.m. two teachers came over to pet me. I got the sense that it had been a long week for them. One of them said, “Coco, I need some therapy,” as she petted me. Mom says this is a tough time of year for everyone, including teachers.
I took so many walks Friday with many different students. It was so nice outside and I was glad to get some walks in. I worked with many students in one-on-one settings and in groups. I leaned on students and lay at their feet as they worked and processed through difficult situations. Last period, Mom and I visited the Transitional Learning Center as we always do Fridays. We watched a brief video clip about poetry and then listened to students perform poetry. I sat next to students as they performed.
I also got to see the students again as they were loading the buses to go home. Several I had not met before came up to me to pet me and ask Mom questions. Mom says it is important for as many students as possible to get some time with me. Several of the bus drivers also visited briefly with me.
After school, mom and I walked the school and checked in with some teachers and custodians. Next, Mom packed up and we headed to Vermont for a night. As usual, the school week was busy and rewarding for both Mom and me. She says she is extremely proud of me. I love connecting with so many people. Next week, there is no school on Friday, so Mom says I will most likely attend with her Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. ~Coco