Our SEL Coordinators, Marissa Bricker and Katie Marrefi, have been working on increasing the number of initiatives we have this year to support students socially and emotionally. They organized a program to bring in a therapy dog through K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs service to support student wellness through ESSER. 

Melissa Dezeeuw is a therapy dog handler who used to work at Stone and who is a physical therapy assistant for FCPS. She brought her dog Tucker, a 5-year-old Bichon Frise, to Stone on Thursday. Teachers had the opportunity to sign their class up to spend time with Tucker, who is hypoallergenic, in the theater.

With challenges that students, and adults, are facing due to the global pandemic, people are experiencing increased anxiety and stress. Having a trained dog in the building boosts staff and student morale, increases confidence, supports rapport building, and mental well-being.  

Tucker will be coming back to Stone the following dates, so if a student has not yet had the chance to meet him, there are opportunities in the future!

• April 14, 15
• April 28, 29
• May 12, 13
• May 19, 20
• May 26, 27

 Questions or suggestions on this program should be emailed to Ms. Marrefi, school counselor, at @email.