Page 83 - EdViewptsSpring2020

entered our lives and has forever Mrs. Noland cares for him as her “I am happy Hudson is in our class.
changed the culture and climate of own and he is considered a faculty When you’re bored you can play
our school. Hudson came to Henry member (badge and all!). He goes to with him. When you're mad or sad
Hudson as a 10-week old puppy who the cafeteria to see students in the he can take your mind off it. He
then began his yearlong training for morning and goes out to the buses can help you if you have a panic
his important role as a therapy dog. As daily to send off his students. All attack.” - SN
Hudson learned to listen, sit and play students get to visit with him if they “I like having Hudson in the
with our students, they learned how to are feeling depressed, anxious or classroom because when I get mad
care for him, walk him, provide treats just need to hug him for support. Mrs. or sad he plays with me and I forget
for him and love him. Students who did Noland’s classroom is open to other why I was mad or sad.” - PB
not want to come to school were afraid students or he goes to the child study
to miss a minute of school because of team’s office or guidance office to “I am happy to have Hudson at
Hudson. The first group of students, all meet with them for privacy. school. Hudson inspires me to
boys, learned to read better, do their Hudson visits me daily in my office study. Hudson helps me control
math problems with more focus and and it is usually the highlight of my myself. When I'm studying he helps
were able to practice talking to a peer day. I find myself spending lots of me to study.” - PMH
through Hudson. While Mrs. Noland time visiting Mrs. Noland’s class and “What I like about having Hudson
trained Hudson to listen, she was interacting with my students because in the classroom is that he is a
teaching the boys how to listen as well of his presence. These students are good companion to everyone in the
and learning occurred. By March of year considered “celebrities” in our school classroom. When I started here, I
one, these same students who lacked because Hudson is with them all the did not like dogs. I am a cat person.
confidence and had lots of social anxiety time. In a world where disabilities are Mrs. Noland told me to give him a
were reading books to elementary often criticized, this does not happen at chance. I am glad I did.” - BT
school children on Dr. Suess Day with Henry Hudson. Students are included If you are considering a therapy dog
Hudson along their side for comfort, because of him, and this has made our program, I will eagerly share our pro-
support and encouragement. school a more positive place to be. gram with you and have done so for
For five years, Hudson has comforted As for quantitative data, there really many schools, even as far as Wiscon-
and aided over 50 students daily in a isn’t any concrete test that will evaluate sin! The Therapy Dog program has
self-contained classroom for middle the success of this program; however, been recognized by District Administra-
school students. Many do not want to the reading and math scores of Mrs. tion for being one of the best programs
leave Mrs. Noland’s class but most of Noland’s students consistently increase in 2016 (selected from hundreds of
them are able to be mainstreamed in annually through her differentiation of entries across the US). I am proud to
electives and PE by senior year. Most instruction and the comfort of knowing have received the NJ Visionary Leader-
of these students have been able to go a furry friend will be sitting or lying by to ship Award in 2016 from NJPSA and
to Vocational school and work; while encourage them to finish strong. Here NASSP State Principal of the Year due
one of the original boys is attending are some of the comments from the in part to this unique program. Hudson
college. This is the true testament to current students in Mrs. Noland’s class: was also recognized by the Monmouth
the success of this program. County Freeholders as Dog of the Year
How did we do this? Fortunately, “I love having Hudson in the in 2016 for his impact on students at
classroom because he makes me
the service dog requirement was happy. He knows when we are Henry Hudson Regional. I, however,
established in New Jersey and upset so he can comfort us. When did not do this for the recognition but for
this was adopted by the Board of I’m stressed with work he comes the shared joy that this program brings
Education. The Board of Education and sits by my feet so I can pet daily to my students and staff. We are
pays for all of Hudson’s medical him.” - HCL more like a home with our Hudson by
care, vaccinations, and dog supplies; our sides everyday!

About the Author
Lenore Kingsmore is the proud principal of Henry Hudson Regional School for 10 years. She is also a
NJ EXCEL alum, instructor, E-Mentor and L2L mentor for NJPSA. Mrs. Kingsmore has been recognized
by NJPSA as the 2016 Principal of the Year and NASSP State Principal of the Year. Mrs. Kingsmore has
been a teacher, counselor, supervisor and Director of Student Personnel Services as well as serving
as an assistant superintendent due to the size of the district during her 35 years in education. She is
extremely proud of the therapy dog program and its impact on the culture and climate at HHRS.
Hudson is the special therapy dog who has been helping students at HHRS for the past 5 years. He has
been trained, loved and cared for by Mrs. Kathy Noland, special education teacher. Kathy is a talented
SE educator for 20 years and specializes in behavior modification and development. Hudson supports
students through difficult emotional times while also helping them to read and do math. Hudson is a
special member of the faculty and attends school daily.

Educational Viewpoints -81- Spring 2020