Special Furry Visitors Enchant Global History Classes

Camille Tedeschi has traveled extensively throughout the world. She’s been to every continent except Antarctica, but that’s on her short list, too. The veteran Huntington High School social studies teacher likes to lead a life filled with excitement and that carries over to her classroom and students.

Ms. Tedeschi likes it when her students are enthusiastic. She has a “bubbly” personality and she takes delight when those around her are also upbeat. She arranged for therapy dogs to come to the high school this week to meet her sophomore Global History students, some of whom have been displaying some signs of stress as the holidays approach.

Principal Brenden Cusack heartily endorsed the visit since he, too, likes to keep things interesting for students. “Research has indicated that therapy dogs help reduce students’ level of stress and anxiety” by interacting with the trained furry creatures, according to a letter sent to parents.

“The therapy dog program was started at Finley Middle School by Mary DiBenedetto so I inquired earlier this year about bringing them to the high school and Brenden was supportive,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “I had them visit my US History classes during quarterly week to de-stress from over testing and today I had them meet my tenth grade students to relax as we head into the holidays.”

Huntington UFSD is collaborating with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs on the program, which students have embraced. Accompanied by their volunteer handlers who advised the teenagers on how to interact with “Hazel” and “Jam,” the dogs took the high school by storm. The students learned how to assess the dogs’ body language and mood, which they were able to translate over to assess their peers’ moods and improve socialization.

“I’d like to have the dogs return and be in a central location for more students to benefit during midterm week when they are over tested,” Ms. Tedeschi said.