Posted: Feb. 27, 2018 12:01 am
SPARTA -- Students at Northern Hills Academy, a school for special need students ages 3-21, as part of their clubs and activities, have set up pet donation boxes around the school. The students have committed to making the lives of cats and dogs at Father John's Animal House in Lafayette better.
Students have been learning about what the cold weather can do to homeless pets, have researched the number of homeless pets in the community and how best to serve them. Fortunately, Father John's Animal House is right here in the community and students could donate to help pets in their town.
The focus of Animal Club is on community outreach. Principal Jennifer Cook worked with staff and students to ensure that this visit happened. "Animal club is a natural extension of the types of students we work with here at NHA. Our students are thoughtful and willing to assist with the care of pets, which bring them so much joy," Cook said in a press release.
A representative from Father John's Animal House was recently able to visit the club to receive the donations from students and staff. He was touched that Northern Hills Academy students had put the supply drive together in order to help the shelter.
Teachers Rebecca DeFeo Jennifer Beshada had students go through all the donations. They discussed its purpose and then had students categorize the donations as part of their curriculum.
As an extension of Animal Club, students are exposed to therapy dogs that come in several times a month to support the educational programs.
"So many of our students have sensory issues and the dogs are an important part of our programs," Superintendent Andrea Romano said.
The Animal Club's next hopeful community connection is with the Sussex County Sheriff's Office to bring their search and rescue dog to the school so students can learn about its training. Students would have a chance to meet police officers and learn of the importance of animals in community service jobs.
