We haven’t heard from Coco in a few weeks. As usual, she’s been busy doing all sorts of wonderful things to help the students and staff at the Robert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts. And now, this amazing senior dog is adding hospice visits to her schedule. Read on…
Molly and I had very full weeks at school last week and the week before. Mom and I were busy writing two Reading Buddy Books so we did not post last week.
I have written about a student in the recent past that lives with his grandparents. He and his mother moved to Florida last year, but his mother felt the school system was better in Northborough, Massachusetts, so she sent him to live with his grandparents several weeks ago. The boy had a difficult time, as most sixth graders would, being away from his mother. Additionally, there are other things that make learning difficult for him. He had missed a few days of school, and his grandmother was worried. Ever since Mom and I put a plan into place, he has come to school every day. The plan has him start every day with a walk with either Molly or me, and then he gets to walk one of us right after lunch. He also gets to spend some time with his guidance counselor. His grandmother reported to Mom that Molly and I have made a huge difference for him.
There have been several days over the past two weeks that have been very hot, but we are not complaining after the winter we had. Molly and I were able to take several walks outside with students, which we absolutely love. There are so many new smells now that everything is in blooming. We enjoy how excited the students get to be able to take us outside and to take a break from their daily routines.
Other students prefer to sit with us and talk with Mom or Julie (Molly’s mother), or sit quietly with us while they complete their homework. Some students simply enjoy petting us when they see us in the hallway.
Last week was another MCAS testing week. Seventh and eighth graders tested on Tuesday and Wednesday, and sixth graders on Thursday and Friday. MCAS days are stressful for staff members because of all the rules and regulations they have to follow. As they picked up their MCAS testing materials, counted everything, and signed out their packets, many of them petted me. Mom says that I help alleviate the stress they naturally feel. On MCAS testing days, many students also came down to talk with Mom and me, and with Molly and Julie.
On Friday, after a full week of work, Mom and I stopped in Auburn to begin our hospice training. The people in the office where we trained were wonderful and loved me. Mom says I have an opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of hospice patients – I am excited about beginning this important work. ~Coco