Therapy dogs are helping to create calmer and more effective learning environments for students in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, according to an article published in the April edition of the Community Compass newsletter on Apr. 23.
The use of therapy animals is seen as a way to reduce stress, provide emotional comfort, and support both students and staff. This approach is part of a broader effort by the district to foster social-emotional learning and improve student well-being.
Laurie Wood, an occupational therapist at Middleton High School, said, “Animals reduce stress, provide emotional comfort and support, and reduce loneliness and depression. When these foundational factors are addressed, learning can occur and amazing things can happen.” Kingsley is one of the therapy dogs working with students individually at Middleton High School. Ethan, a student at the school, said about his sessions with Kingsley: “I love everything about working with Kingsley! I especially love how he doesn’t want to leave me when our time is up.”
In addition to providing emotional support during one-on-one sessions or crisis situations through connections with agencies like Dogs on Call and Custom Canines, therapy dogs also help encourage movement throughout the day. Another dog named Rooney from CARES Inc. visits schools so that students can read aloud to him as part of literacy development activities.
The district has recently begun implementing animal assisted therapy services more widely while ensuring safety through new procedures supporting its Animals on School Property policy. Kalise Horst, wellness coordinator for MCPASD, said: “We’re also having Kingsley be present when students are dysregulated to ensure he becomes comfortable going into those environments without hesitation. That way, he can provide the best support to students.” Horst added: “Kingsley is incredibly dedicated to his job. It’s a joy to watch how much he loves being a therapy dog. He loves seeing his friends at school and the District office and making them happy.”
According to the official website, MCPASD promotes community engagement through extracurricular activities while maintaining facilities that serve early childhood through high school education in areas such as literacy, math, and social-emotional programs. The district serves both Middleton and Cross Plains communities in Wisconsin according to its official website. Dr. Dana Monogue served as superintendent according to district information. The district has achieved top ACT composite scores among public non-charter schools in Dane County as well as statewide according to its official website.
MCPASD aims not only for academic achievement but also seeks ways for students’ backgrounds and abilities be understood so they are prepared for global challenges while remaining inspired locally according to its official website.
