Therapy Dog Coco Visits Finley Students

J. Taylor Finley Middle School’s enrollment increased by one this week. Coco the therapy dog was in the library for a visit and judging by the reaction, there’s no need to conduct and popularity contests around the building because Coco is the winner, hands down.

Finley librarian Carmen DiBartolomeo doubles as a therapy dog handler. This week, she introduced students to beloved therapy dog, Coco, who loved meeting students and staff during lunch in the library. Principal Traci Roethel said the visit “brought joy and comfort to our students.”

Finley school psychologist Dr. Mary DiBenedetto said studies have shown that therapy dogs decrease students’ overall stress levels. “Reading aloud to a therapy dog and their handler increases children’s scores on tests of oral reading fluency, much more than reading aloud to peers,” she said. “Student’s overall attendance improves when there is an in-house therapy dog. Improved concentration, attention, motivation and relaxation, which lead to effective learning and performance have been noted.”

“I’m so excited to share that we have a therapy dog in the library now,” Ms. DiBartolomeo said. “I really believe in supporting our students” needs and therapy dogs can do wonders for their social and emotional well-being. Plus, reading to a therapy dog helps build confidence and makes reading fun!”

Mrs. Roethel said that student recognition award recipients were provided with some extra “cuddle time” with Coco for a job well done