Visit with therapy dog a treat for Acmetonia fourth graders who display positive behavior

A four-legged friend visited Acmetonia Elementary School on Friday morning as part of a new initiative to reward students’ positive behavior.

Elizabeth Newill, a fourth grade science teacher, has started bringing Finnegan, her 7-year-old English springer spaniel, into her classroom every two weeks as part of a positive behavior reward plan.

Teachers pull names of students who earned positive reward tickets to be part of the event, Newill said. Students get to spend about half an hour with Finnegan during their enrichment time, so no instructional learning time is lost.

“When they see him here, it’s this happiness that comes out of them that they need,” Newill said.

Finnegan has always been a calm dog, even as a puppy, Newill said. Finnegan is a certified therapy dog through Animal Friends and has worked in that capacity for two years.

Newill said she has seen an increase in positive behavior since she starting the program this school year. The experience also teaches students respect — to their peers and the animal.

“It’s a whole dynamic shift,” Newill said.

Student Carmelo Anderson said his favorite part of the session was “experiencing love for the dog, and playing with friends.”