Coco has increased her work week to three days. The work that she does with the students at the Robert E. Melican Middle School never ceases to be extraordinary. In addition, Coco and her Mom always make time for training sessions before the start of the school day, as well as training class on Wednesday evenings.
Without further ado – Here’s Coco…
I went to school with Mom Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week. I had a very full and rewarding week with the students and the staff, and Mom says I am making a big difference for everyone.
Students were pleasantly surprised to see me Monday at school with Mom since I have never been there on a Monday before. I worked with several students whom I had not met before, as well as many I know well. As I always do, I worked with students in small groups and with students in one-on-one settings with the guidance counselor, the behavior specialist, and Mom.
I attended the last fifteen minutes of a sixth grade learning center, where students were able to take a break from their academics. Many of them need a break at that time of the day, where they can pet me, talk to me, and talk to Mom. Some of them sat on the floor with me and let me give them kisses. Several of them see me at other times throughout the week, so they have gotten to know me pretty well. Others see me only during learning center, and they welcome the break. My tail wags the entire time I am in there so I hope they know how much I love working with them.
After the faculty meeting (during which I snoozed in Mom’s office – she opened the window and turned the lights off for me – perfect for a nice nap…), Mom brought me to the School Council meeting. The School Council is comprised of approximately fifteen parents, community members, and school staff. While Mom presented her PowerPoint about me and my work at school, therapy dogs, Bright Spot, etc., I curled up at her feet. Members had many comments and questions for Mom, and were thankful for the work she and I do at school. The principal told Mom that she thinks many of them wish they could go back in time to middle school, and attend Melican so I could work with them.
On Wednesday, after practicing obedience in the halls with Mom and delivering coverage slips, I worked with the behavior specialist and students. Mom and I also checked in with several students in Mom’s office. One little boy was upset about how another student had treated him, and Mom said I helped him feel a little better. When Mom asked him if she could add him to our Friday student check-in list, he was so happy and thankful. The behavior specialist and the guidance counselor “shared” me for most of the day, working with students one-on-one and meeting with groups of students.
After school, Mom and I visited the Transitional Learning Center, where students were playing a game with their teacher. I have gotten to know them well, and they are always as happy to see me as I am to see them. Finally, Mom and I traveled to Greenfield for our 6:00 p.m. intermediate class.
On Friday, after I went with Mom to deliver coverage slips, we worked on some obedience. I worked with so many students throughout the day. One sixth grade girl, whom I have gotten to know very well, has a difficult time expressing herself and sharing. She can sometimes become angry and acts very immature. Mom says my work with her is helping her calm down and become much more giving. She and I have a wonderful relationship. Another sixth grade girl came to Mom’s office very upset. She and I know each other well. She has three dogs at home, and she and I have really bonded over the past several months. As she told Mom what was bothering her, she looked at me and I kept my head in her lap so she would feel comforted. She told Mom that she had seen a stray dog while she was waiting for her bus in the morning, and that she really wanted to help it. It went into the road, and then her bus came. She felt torn about what to do, but knew she had to get on the bus. She was having a difficult morning, feeling guilty about not helping the dog more. As she cried and talked to Mom, she petted me and said being with me helped her feel better. Mom helped her call her father so he could be on the lookout for the stray dog. She left Mom’s office, knowing she had done the best she could for the dog, and feeling ready to start her day.
So many students were able to spend time with me Friday. Last period, Mom and I visited the Transitional Learning Center, where students were taking a “dance” break – they do this to get themselves going physically so they are better able to learn. Usually, Mom and I watch, but today, the students really wanted me to dance, so Mom got me up on my hind legs and we danced. It certainly would not be my first choice for fun, but I made all the students and staff members in the room happy, and that was awesome to see.
Mom dropped me off with the behavior specialist and a sixth grade student for the last ten minutes of the day. The sixth grader was melting down, almost hyperventilating when I arrived. Apparently he was nervous about presenting a project or something. As soon as I sat next to him, he began to calm down a bit. When I made a mistake and did something I was not supposed to, he burst into uncontrollable laughter and was able to regain his composure – I am glad I could provide some comic relief and get him back on track.
After school, I laid at Mom’s feet while she worked on evaluations. Six teachers came to visit with Mom and see me. One said, “I really needed my Coco break…” Another said, “No offense, Michelle – I came to see Coco, not you.” Mom is never offended when that happens.
Once again, I had a very full week with Mom at school. I truly enjoy being there, connecting with so many students and staff members. I feel like it is my second home. Mom refers to the guidance counselor as my Auntie Julie and the behavior specialist as my Auntie Jess. She even refers to the head custodian as my Uncle Tom! It’s like I am a part of the Robert E. Melican Middle School family, and I absolutely LOVE that. Mom and I will visit the nursing home Saturday, and I look forward to relaxing and practicing some obedience this weekend. ~Coco