Man's best friend is a character tool
5/13/2008 12:05 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By ROB NOVIT
Senior writer
When Dakota the Old English sheepdog arrived at Belvedere Elementary School a few months ago, a number of children were afraid of him.
On Monday, Sheila Chapman's second-graders said good-bye to Dakota, each of them petting him or giving him a hug.
The dog's owner, Sandee Jones, an Aiken SPCA volunteer, has been teaching the Humane and Character Education Program.
More than 40 SPCA volunteers have offered the program at Belvedere and three other elementary schools - Jefferson, North Aiken and Byrd.
"The children have seen videos, DVDs and did interactive projects," said volunteer Judy Miller. "It's a student-centered approach and we developed it to help coordinate human and character education for the SPCA program."
Miller and three other volunteers - Vivian Bunce, Paula Neuroth and Nancy Fish - decided to rejuvenate the program about two years ago. Then-superintendent Dr. Linda Eldridge readily approved the classes and new superintendent Dr. Beth Everitt has expressed her support, said Miller.
"The kids have thoroughly enjoyed it," said Chapman. "They've learned how to care for dogs or any type of pet, as well as safety in taking care of themselves around dogs. All of it is tied to state standards ... and the children have been writing about their experiences."
The curriculum includes instruction in fostering an understanding of the responsibility of caring for animals and for compassion and empathy.
Jones is a retired teacher from Connecticut who moved to Aiken two years ago. The kids were fascinated by Dakota, 9, the huge but placidly friendly dog with all the hair.
"I've missed teaching and it's nice to spend time with the children," Jones said. "We talked about greeting the dog properly and encouraged the children to spend time with their dogs."
The 43 volunteers reached 18 classrooms this year. That's a good number, but with additional volunteers, said Miller, the SPCA could expand the program to additional schools and classrooms. For more information, e-mail Miller at judym@usca.edu.
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.

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Allison Nicole Miller of Aiken and Chad Marion Cooper of Aiken were married May 17, 2008, in St. Paul United Methodist Church, New Ellenton. The bride was given in marriage by her father. The Rev. B ...
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