Liberty Corner School brought community service closer to home when they raised their own puppy for the Seeing Eye organization in Morristown, New Jersey. The student body proved their interest through their support of the organization by collecting food and supplies and creating a cookbook, Paws for a Good Meal, which raised over $3,500. Jethro, a Black Labrador Retriever, became a member of the school community in 2001, spending nights and weekends with a Liberty Corner teacher, and school days in classrooms, the computer lab, the library and the Principal’s office. All classes participated in the grooming, feeding, and the general care of Jethro. By providing him attention and love, students demonstrated unselfish qualities of responsibility and trustworthiness. The learning continued as students read and wrote about Jethro, so that when it was time to return Jethro to Seeing Eye for training, everyone understood the important role they played in the process. This project was rewarding for all involved, including special needs and at-risk populations, as it was used as an incentive plan to encourage good behavior and improve attitudes. The school plans to replicate the experience during the 2007-2008 school year.
The Seeing Eye. Morristown, NJ: The Seeing Eye, Inc. Web site: www.seeingeye.org.
www.bernardsboe.com/Liberty-Corner/