Buddy the rescue dog from the Humane Society of Berks County visited Kutztown Elementary fourth graders on Dec. 19, teaching the students how they can help animals in need.
Fourth grade teacher Kerri Schegan, who arranged the visit from the Humane Society, said the reason for inviting the Humane Society to KES was to show the students what they as 10 year olds can do to help an animal that is in danger and what do when they encounter a stray animal and how they can help the mission of the Humane Society.
“I’m hoping the kids will learn a little about service. I know they really love animals and they love to work to help animals so I’m hoping they will initiate a service project, to realize that they, even as young as they are, can do something to help someone else in need,” said Schegan.
The visit was held in conjunction with the fourth grade reading the book “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Schegan said the book is about a boy who finds a dog who ran away from an abusive owner. The boy hides the dog away from his family and the owner, taking care of the dog himself. The boy ends up getting found out and works out a deal with the owner to take care of the dog.
“I really hope that (the Humane Society) will bring what happens in the story to life for them so they can really make a connection with the main character. I hope that they have a better understanding of how as children they can serve their community,” said Schegan.
Humane Society representatives Lauren Henderson, events and donor relations manager, and Kristi Rodriguez, volunteer coordinator, talked to students about the correct behaviors to use around animals and what do if they encounter stray animals, as well as how to help animals in need. This was the first time the Humane Society visited the fourth grade at KES.
Schegan hopes that if the students do find themselves in a situation in which they encounter an animal that needs a home or help that they will know how to help effectively and safely. She hopes students will initiate a service project in January.
“It may end up being donating to the shelter, it could be a monetary fundraiser. We’re going to let them organize that themselves once they learn what the mission really is,” said Schegan.
Being a reading project, Schegan also hopes the visit helps improve the fourth graders’ comprehension of the book. She also hopes this inspires them to read other books about animals.
Principal Deborah L. Barnes believes that the visit from the Humane Society gives students a real-life application about what they are reading, gives them a broader perspective.
“I hope that they understand that they are part of a broader community. Together we need to support each other, whether that’s humans or animals. Because animals are, for a great many families, an integral part of the family unit,” said Barnes. “I hope that they realize that they can have an impact, even though they are only 9 and 10 years old. They can have an impact on their community.”
