Like many of the public schools in Massachusetts, Coco and her mom were on School Break the week of April 20th. This week we find Coco back on the job bringing comfort and caring to the students at the Robert E. Melican Middle School.
Here’s Coco…
It was nice getting back to school after a week off. Mom and I love working with students, and getting back into our routine is always important. This week, I went to school with Mom Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
On Monday, I started my day with some obedience practice, and then I visited with the custodians for a few minutes. Teachers were excited to see me when they walked in the building from ten days away from school. I worked with several students during homeroom, helping them get situated before they started their day. I spent most of my day with the behavior specialist and the guidance counselor, visiting with students, and welcoming them back.
On Wednesday, I also worked with many students, mostly with the behavior specialist and the guidance counselor. Several students came to Mom’s office to ask if they could take me for walks. Although it was drizzly, I was able to take a few walks and I could tell from students’ conversations with Mom, that they were happy to be back from vacation, and happy to have some time with me. I also went to one of the sixth grade learning centers to give students a break. Twelve students swarmed me and took turns petting me and talking with Mom and me. After the students left at the end of the period, the teacher said, “Thank you so much – that was perfect timing!” She and her aide went on to say that is was difficult for the students (and for them) to get back into the swing of things, and the break with Coco was a much-needed one for everyone.
After school, Mom finished up some work in her office, and a few teachers came down to visit with me. I can tell that I help the adults in the building as much as the students. We then headed to Greenfield for class. My sister, Sophie, and my dad joined us in class. It was interesting being in class with her, but we both did fine.
On Thursday, I visited with many students and, once again, took several walks with students. I got to meditate with a student and her guidance counselor, which was interesting. Like I have done previously, I drifted in and out of sleep, feeling very relaxed. I also was able to see students I had not seen since before vacation, which was awesome – they were so happy to see me.
At the end of the day, I helped Mom do bus duty, sitting patiently as students petted me and talked to Mom. It is always interesting seeing seventeen buses pull in, fill with students, and leave the parking lot within a few minutes…
It was a very full and very rewarding week at school with Mom, and I am looking forward to helping student and staff next week, as well. ~Coco