Community Corner
CHSD170's Washington-McKinley School Students Meet Darlin, the Renowned Service Dog
Students of different grade levels meet the dog to increase their understanding of social awareness and relationship skills
Students from the pre-kindergarten and REACH programs at School District 170’s Washington-McKinley School welcomed Darlin, a comfort dog from the Lutheran Church Charities, to a "meet and learn" session last week.
Darlin is a trained comfort dog based at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Matteson. She visits inmates in prison and interacts with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and in disaster response situations. Darlin’s calming influence is renowned for helping people open their hearts and receive help for their troubles.
Kenyea Beach and Mary Ellen LaCien coordinated the session in association with the Muttigrees program, a curriculum that facilitates student self- and social awareness, relationship skills, and problem-solving abilities.
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The activity provided an opportunity to enhance the student’s’ social and emotional competencies and related academic skills.
“We used stories and activities about dogs as a springboard for learning,” LaCien explained, "and we were fortunate to have Darlin and her handler (Marlene Vician) meet with our students and share with us the volunteer work that they do to help and comfort those in need.”
