Hingham Public Schools' comprehensive multi-tiered model of social-emotional supports for students across all grades PK-12, known as our Hingham Tiered Systems of Support (HTSS): Social-Emotional.
Therapy Dogs At Hingham High School
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We at Hingham High School are extremely lucky to have our own therapy dog named Opry, as well as another therapy dog named Taco who visits regularly.
The use of therapy dogs in schools has been shown to provide both physical and emotional health benefits for students. According to a study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), having a dog present in the school promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body. In fact, the simple act of petting a dog has the effect of lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Pet therapy also lowers stress hormones, like cortisol, and increases oxytocin. In other words, just being in contact with a therapy dog calms students down when they’re upset and helps keep their anxiety at bay. And reducing feelings of anxiety and depression enables them to focus on learning. Therapy Dogs have even been shown to help increase school attendance! Taco is a chocolate lab who we have the joy of knowing through the B.O.N.E.S. therapy dog program on the South Shore. She supports students' social and emotional well being. Click HERE for more information. |
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Opry joined our school in 2022 and has become an invaluable resource and source of inspiration for our school community. Our School Resource Officer, Thomas Ford, has worked diligently to train her and prepare her for advanced certification programs. Opry helps to reduce stress among students (she gives great hugs!), increase engagement between students and the police department, and overall promote positivity. Opry loves visiting younger students around Hingham, however most of her time is spent at the high school.
Her daily contributions to the school include:
For more information on therapy dogs in schools visit FAQ's and resources.
- Greeting students in the morning, and throughout the day (hallways, cafeteria, classrooms, etc.)
- Connecting with students during unstructured parts of the day
- Visiting students utilizing the Transition Room program
- Being present, if needed, during meetings between students and staff to support the students' mood regulation and engagement
- Regular visits to our Social-Emotional Special Education Classrooms to provide support and help to reduce stress
- Being available for hugs and pets as a positive reward for students accomplishing tasks
- Providing a sense of safety during crisis events
- Counselors can use the dog for support during crisis events when needed
- Participating in school events...she has even made an appearance in one of the school's musicals!
For more information on therapy dogs in schools visit FAQ's and resources.
Here are some pictures of our own dogs who bring us happiness every day!
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