Bristol Schools Welcome Therapy Dog Jingle

News Summary

The Bristol Tennessee City Schools district has welcomed Jingle, a five-month-old golden doodle, as their first therapy dog. Jingle will primarily be at Viking Academy, providing emotional support to students and staff. Under the care of a dedicated administrator, Jingle will undergo ongoing training to help alleviate anxiety and stress in the school environment. The introduction of Jingle marks a significant step towards enhancing student wellness, with plans to expand the therapy dog program throughout the district.

Bristol Welcomes Jingle: The First Therapy Dog in Our Schools!

Exciting news is unfolding in the vibrant city of Bristol, Tennessee! The Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) district is introducing Jingle, an adorable five-month-old golden doodle, as the first therapy dog in our schools. This fluffball of joy is not just a cute face but also a trained companion who has passed the first phase of her training to spread happiness and support among students and staff.

Jingle’s New Home: Viking Academy

Jingle will primarily make her home at Viking Academy, where she will work closely with students and staff. But that’s not all! This friendly pup may also lend her support at Tennessee High, ensuring that a wave of joy follows her around wherever she goes. It’s not just about having a dog around; it’s about harnessing the power of this friendly creature to help make school a little more welcoming and warm.

Meet Jingle’s Best Friend

Taking care of Jingle will be Kelly Vance, the dedicated administrator at Viking Academy. Kelly is committed to ensuring that Jingle becomes a source of comfort for everyone in the school. Their journey of training is far from over—both Kelly and Jingle will continue their training as a team, ensuring they evolve together to meet the needs of their school community.

The Journey of Training

According to Jingle’s head trainer, Mike Wright from Trained Wright K9, she is set to become a full-fledged therapy dog by the time she reaches one year old. This involves ongoing training that reinforces her role of easing anxiety and stress. It is wonderful to picture how Jingle will not just be trained in obedience but will also develop a knack for sensing the emotional states of those around her. As stress levels in students fluctuate, having Jingle around might just provide that comforting hug they need!

The Vision Behind Jingle

The idea to adopt a therapy dog like Jingle came from the inspiring success of therapy dog programs at other schools. The Supervisor of Student Services for BTCS, Kristie Coleman, saw the positive impact in action and couldn’t wait to bring similar benefits to Bristol. The ambition doesn’t stop at just Jingle; the long-term goal is to have a therapy dog in every BTCS school. Imagine the happiness this could bring throughout the district!

What Can Jingle Do for Students and Staff?

Jingle isn’t just about cuteness; she holds the promise of emotional support that can transform the school environment. With her calm presence, students and staff alike can experience a relief from anxiety and stress. Jingle is expected to help boost student happiness, enhance attendance, and even improve overall mental health. This creates a learning atmosphere where everyone feels secure and loved.

Building a Community with Jingle

Jingle’s popularity is already spreading like wildfire—she even has her very own Instagram page! This isn’t just a dog; she is becoming a beloved member of our school community. Her adorable antics and heartwarming presence will surely have students wanting to spend time with her after classes.

A Helping Hand from the State

Excitingly enough, Bristol is among the handful of districts in Tennessee awarded a state grant to kick-start this therapy dog initiative. Each selected school, including Bristol Tennessee High School, is set to receive a generous $10,000 grant to implement the pilot program. This funding will help nurture Jingle’s training and support her integration into school life.

Conclusion

The arrival of Jingle marks a new page in Bristol’s journey to prioritizing student and staff wellness. With a committed team standing behind her, Jingle is all set to become a beacon of love and support, transforming the school experience for everyone! Keep your eyes open; who knows what happiness Jingle will unleash next!

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Additional Resources

• Wcyb: Bristol Tennessee Schools Welcome Jingle
• Wjhl: Therapy Dog in Training for Bristol TN City Schools
• Wsmv: Therapy Dog Pilot Program Underway in Tennessee
• Wkrn: Bill Authorizing Therapy Dogs in Tennessee Schools
• Wikipedia: General Knowledge