Meet Arlington's New Student
By: Glen Thompson
As of this year, Arlington Local School will now have a therapy dog! Jasper, the 6-year-old Goldendoodle, will be available to any and all during school. He is currently awaiting his National Certification so that his services will be available to us. Kate Ferguson, a student advocate and the elementary guidance counselor, will be taking care of Jasper throughout the day and will have options available for support. Jasper can be used for many different therapeutic options, such as small group and individualized therapy. Jasper isn’t just for kids, either; he’s for anyone who feels like they might get relief out of spending some quality time with him. Trained therapy dogs provide non-judgemental and unconditional love while simultaneously providing a sense of safety. Even spending a short amount of time with a dog, studies have shown, can decrease anxiety and increase emotional security.
Your student must have a permission slip on file in order to participate with or be around the therapy dog at Arlington.Your child may also be a part of photos or videos created with Jasper for educational purposes, as well as his own personal Facebook page. You can find his page if you search “Jasper Goes to School.”
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Kate Ferguson at 419-365-5123 ext 155 or email her at fergusonk@arlingtonlocal.org.
336 South Main Street
Arlington, Ohio 45814
Phone: 419-365-5121
Fax: 419-365-1282