For all Coco fans: Here’s what Coco has to tell us this week…
I went to school with Mom on Wednesday and Friday this week. As usual, I enjoyed every minute of my time there with students and staff.
Wednesday was a little different from my typical days at school. The entire school spent the first four periods (from 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m.) taking MCAS tests – that is 620+ students all taking the MCAS tests at the same time. Before school, Mom and I walked the halls and practiced obedience. Next, I spent some time with Mom in the office conference room setting up for MCAS accommodations packet pick-up. She and I waited for teachers to come and sign out MCAS testing materials. Many of them seemed happy to see me, and petted me and talked to me. By its nature, the test evokes anxiety in students and staff. Mom says they have been following the same procedures and protocols for years at school, but teachers and aides are driven to get it “right” and help the students feel comfortable. I helped people stay calm and gave them comfort as they picked up materials. A few students came to take me for a walk and spend time with me in the behavior specialist’s office before the school went into MCAS testing mode.
Students finish the MCAS tests at all different times, but the whole school stays in testing mode until most students finish – the ones who are still working at 11:00 finish in the library with Mom. Two small accommodation groups (seven students in total), along with a teacher and a guidance counselor, took me to the gym to spend time with me before the testing officially ended. I was so excited that they were able to spend 30 minutes with me! I already knew most of them, but a couple were new to me.
Our head custodian, whom Mom refers to as Uncle Tom, came to tell Mom that his wife came into school with him over the weekend to help him with his computer. He showed her the bulletin board with all the pictures of students and staff with me, and his wife said, “Gee, Tom, you are smiling – you hardly ever smile!” when he pointed to the picture of him with me. He could not wait to tell Mom that story. He brought me some milk bones when he saw me, and sat on the floor with me, rubbing my belly. I can smell his cat on him, and I can tell he is an animal lover.
Three sixth grade girls came to spend time with me after lunch. They gave me so much attention and were reading from one of Mom’s dog books, trying to pronounce all the different breeds. Mom reminded them that they were missing their recess (middle school students only get recess on MCAS testing days, so students always love it), and one of them said, “We would rather spend time with Coco – is it OK if we stay here?” They went on to explain how stressed they felt about taking the MCAS tests over the past two days and how much spending time with me helped them feel better. Of course Mom let them stay, and I continued getting lots of attention. Later in the day, three sixth grade boys came down to talk to Mom about something, and they stayed with me for about fifteen minutes, snuggling with me and petting me. After our long day at school, Mom and I attended class in Greenfield at NB Productions.
On Friday, we began our day delivering classroom coverage slips and then practicing some obedience. I walked the halls and trained completely off-leash, which was awesome! One of my “friends” and her guidance counselor took me for a walk during morning homeroom.
Later, three English language learners came to read a play to me. One of the student’s last day was today, so it was nice to spend some time with her. She moved to the United Stated from Turkey three years ago, and now she and her family are moving to San Diego. Next, I spent time with students one-on-one with Mom, and in small group studies with the behavior specialist. All students were excited to see me. Two students took me for a walk after homeroom connection. I also visited with students with severe disabilities. One of them came to Mom’s office to see me, and then he saw me again later when I visited his classroom. He has come a long way, and was able to feed me treats independently, which is a significant improvement for him.
Last period, Mom and I spent time in the Transitional Learning Center like we always do. The students and staff in that classroom love me, and I love them. This week, each student took me for a five-minute walk (with Mom). Mom and I used the two-handle leash we have, and I walked directly between Mom and each student. Two students chose to take their walks outside, and two took their walks inside. Mom talked with each student about how his/her week had been and then what he/she had for plans for the weekend.
After school, Mom and I went to the cafeteria to watch five students practice for their upcoming Destination Imagination competition. The parent volunteers enjoyed petting me, and the students petted me before and after their practice performance. I have no idea what the students were talking about during their presentation, but I enjoyed all the attention.
I had a rewarding and enjoyable week again at the Robert E. Melican Middle School. I know I helped many students and staff members feel calmer, happier, and more relaxed. ~Coco
(Photo above: Coco and Michelle head home after a busy and rewarding week at school)