I know many of you are now hooked on reading Coco’s Report at the end of her busy week as the canine therapist/reading buddy/comforter at the Robert E. Melican Middle School where her teammate Michelle is the assistant principal. I can’t wait to open my inbox at the end of the week to read about the amazing work she has done over the past school week. As always, the following is Coco’s unedited report in her own words…
I went to school with Mom this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. When Mom first told me I was going with her THREE days this week, I could tell she was worried that it might be too much for me. I knew it would be fine – I am very much at home at her school, and I enjoy the attention and making so many people happy.
On Tuesday, after helping Mom deliver coverage sheets and practicing some obedience, I attended the 7:00 a.m. Academic Council meeting with Mom. The five teachers who were there were happy to see me. I mostly napped at Mom’s feet, but I also let the teachers pet me. Before the meeting began, Mom asked one of the teachers how he was doing, and he replied, “Now that I see Coco, I am great…” Next, I spent some time with the guidance counselor working with students. I also spent time with the behavior specialist, working with small groups of students in studies. In those studies, students completed work, talked to me, and some sat on the floor with me while they read. Students in the behavior specialist’s room were excited to hear that I would be in for two more days during the week. After school, I visited with a student who really did not want to stay after, and was having a tough time. He and I see each other weekly. He has a golden retriever at home, and he LOVES dogs. As soon as he saw me, he smiled, petted me, gave me a hug, and seemed relieved. Overall, I worked with nearly 40 students and over 15 adults.
On Wednesday, the guidance counselor, who was supposed to work a lot with students and me, was out sick. Instead, I spent much of my time with the behavior specialist and small groups of students again. Mom and I also worked with several students one-on-one. One student was really struggling with some social issues, so Mom and I spent thirty minutes just listening to her. Mom also got her talking about her upcoming vacation plans (she is going to Florida), and she petted me and was able to calm down and carry on with her day. She and I have grown very fond of each other over the past several weeks. Mom also brought me to a sixth grade Learning Center with ten students. They took turns petting me and talking with Mom about me. I already knew many of them, but some I met for the first time. The teacher and Mom say that maybe I can work with students in that Learning Center for 15 minutes each Wednesday – it is a nice break for students from their academics. Last period, Mom and I visited the sub-separate classroom with students who have severe disabilities. Students were happy to see us and to spend time with me. After school, I attended a Valentine’s Day karaoke party. Although the singing was terrible, I was able to visit with many students, and clean up some crumbs on the floor. Again, I worked with nearly 40 students.
Mom and I were up and ready to head to school at 5:15 Friday morning, but then we found out we had a two-hour delay. Although I was disappointed that we did not leave right away, we still did get to go. I began my work day the same way I always do – I walked with Mom as she delivered coverage slips, and then she and I worked on obedience for 15 minutes or so. Mom and I visited with several teachers as we walked the halls. I spent time with the behavior specialist before school started, visiting with students. Mom and I met with many students one-on-one throughout the day, and I worked with small groups of students. Mom and I also visited students in the sub-separate classroom again. Despite the shortened day, and the natural chaos that accompanies the day before February vacation, I worked with over 20 students.
Overall, I had a terrific week at school with Mom. I feel very connected to the students and staff there, and Mom says I am making a huge difference for everyone.
Mom has vacation next week, and I have vacation from school. I will miss the students and staff members at Mom’s school, but I know we will be busy next week – visiting the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke with other Bright Spot teams, visiting our local nursing home, and spending time at my grandmother’s library in Vermont so young children can read to me. I am also hoping to go running, walking, and snowshoeing with Mom and Toby, and I am looking forward to some long naps throughout the week. ~ Coco
It sounds like Coco will be spreading comfort and love to many others while she and her mom are on school vacation. I am glad to read, too, that Coco will be taking some good, long naps while on vacation. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries once-in-awhile. Enjoy your week, Coco. I’m sure you will have some interesting tales to tell about your vacation adventures. We’ll be looking forward to next week’s report.