During National Service Dog Month, Scioto Elementary students engaged in a week of interactive learning focused on the important roles of service animals. Classes taught by Mrs. Beachy, Mrs. Heinlein, Mrs. Roy, and Mr. Smith featured read-aloud books and educational videos about service dogs, complemented by hands-on experiences.
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A key event was the visit from Rizzo, a trained and licensed therapy dog, along with his owner, Ms. Cindy. Students had the opportunity to meet Rizzo, learn about the responsibilities of service animals, and practice proper interaction etiquette with working dogs.
To further enhance their skills, students participated in a cooking activity where they made "puppy chow" snack mix. This experience allowed them to apply functional life skills, such as following instructions, measuring ingredients, and developing fine motor coordination.
Dan Mabe, the Special Education Coordinator, remarked on the effectiveness of combining real-world interactions with practical tasks, stating that meeting Rizzo helped students gain a greater appreciation for service animals and allowed them to practice independence in a fun environment.