Working Together for Jaffrey-Rindge donated 36 plush chocolate Labrador dogs to Rindge Memorial School on Friday, providing one for each classroom.
The plush dogs are modeled after Mae, the school’s therapy dog, and will be placed in classroom calming areas to help students pause, refocus and regulate emotions during the school day. Mae can only visit one classroom at a time, but the plush versions allow her calming presence to be available throughout the school.
“These calming spaces are an important tool for helping students manage emotions and return to learning ready to engage,” said RMS Principal Nicola Fraley.
WTJR partnered with Douglas Toys, of Keene, to produce the plush dogs. The donation was presented during the school’s community meeting by the group’s co-chairs Mike Perrault, of Rindge, and Alicia Stenersen, of Jaffrey.
Rindge Memorial School serves preschool through fifth grade students in the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District.