Pawsitivity Squad The Pearson News

The Lester B. Pearson School Board ‘Pawsitivity Squad’ is Bringing Comfort to Students and Staff

by Marilyn Santucci

When you enter some of our schools, you might be welcomed by a furry friend or two. We like to call them the Lester B. Pearson School Board’s Pawsitivity Squad! While they aren’t officially therapy animals, these comfort companions offer similar emotional support. They help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and combat loneliness, all while promoting well-being and a sense of security.

Reports have shown the positive impact animals can have on mental health, such as:

• Emotional support
• Reduced Stress
• Improved Social Interaction
• Therapeutic Effects
• Improved Mood
• Motivation

Many principals and teachers bring their animals to school, integrating them into the school community and offering emotional support to both students and staff. Throughout the year, we will spotlight members of the Pawsitivity Squad, sharing information about them, the places they visit, and the positive impact they have on our school community.

Meet Some Members of Our Pawsitivity Squad

Penny, Edgewater Elementary School

Penny is a rescue and is 2 years old. She is a Vizsla/Labrador mix. Her mom is Shirley Kapitsky, Principal at Edgewater. Penny is at the school every day and the students and staff love her. She even has her very own chair in the main office!

“Penny is truly therapeutic for the kids—they absolutely love her. When they come into the office, you can see a wave of calm wash over them. They sit down and gently pet her, and Penny adores them just as much! As soon as a student walks in, she makes her way over, offering comfort and affection.”

Boone, St Thomas High School

Boone is 1.5-year-old English Setter. His dad is Dean Graddon, Principal at St Thomas High School. Boone is at school every day and has his own safe space inside Principal Graddon’s office. If there was one word to describe what Boone brings to the community, it would be happiness.

“Before I joined St. Thomas High School, I worked at an elementary school where I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact a comfort animal can have on children. When a child was in crisis, Boone could calm their emotions in seconds. Now, in high school, Boone provides that same sense of comfort to both students and staff. I recall earlier this school year when a student came in with his head down, avoiding eye contact. I could tell something was wrong. But the moment he saw Boone, a small smile appeared on his face. That’s the effect Boone has—he makes our entire community smile. Every morning, we greet the students together, and everyone looks forward to seeing him. The staff, too, constantly ask for him. Boone truly brings joy to our school.”

Scully, Springdale Elementary

Scully is an 8-year-old black Labrador. Her dad is Brian Swirsky, Principal at Springdale Elementary. She is a very calm comfort companion, who loves to be petted and cuddled up next to students and staff. She brings the Springdale community a sense of calm.

“Having pets in school has become increasingly popular in classroom-settings, especially as their use has been shown to have a positive effect in terms of lowering student stress and anxiety. Scully is a dog magnet. When we walk into the school after the kids get off the school buses, the students all want to see Scully, pet her, and say good morning. It’s all about her. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see her and the interactions that take place, it’s a wonderful day to start the day.”

Kiba and Aki, Terry Fox Elementary

Kiba is a 1-year-old Australian Shepard, and Aki is a 9-year-old Chihuahua mix. Their dad is Douglas Stewart, Principal at Terry Fox Elementary. Both dogs come in at least once a week and spend time with students and staff.

“The presence of the dogs has not only brightened the atmosphere at the school, but they also offer comfort and reassurance to the students. Schools can sometimes feel institutional, but having the dogs here creates a more welcoming, home-like environment. We strive to break down barriers wherever we can, and Kiba and Aki play an important role in that. Every school has its own approach to building a supportive community, and for us, it’s through the companionship of these dogs, helping make the school a more comfortable place for both students and staff.”