WOBURN — Principal Meghan Patrissi is pleased to share that Goodyear Elementary School welcomed Lilly, a certified therapy dog, and her owner Paul McCaffrey every Friday throughout December.
Lilly, a chocolate Labrador, provided students with the opportunity to learn about the valuable benefits of therapy dogs in a fun and interactive way.
Lilly first visited the GAIN classroom, a therapeutic classroom at Goodyear Elementary, where she provided a calming presence and supported social-emotional development for students in this specialized program. Lilly then visited other classrooms where students learned about the role of therapy dogs and how they offer comfort and support.
Lilly’s visits were made possible through a special incentive program designed to encourage good behavior in the cafeteria and during recess. Students who earned “paws” for positive behavior received a visit from Lilly, and gained a better understanding of the positive impact therapy dogs can have.
Kelly Calkins, Goodyear Elementary School’s Adjustment Counselor, arranged the visits to promote social-emotional learning and well-being in the school community. Lilly, who is certified through Animal-Assisted Therapy Dogs Massachusetts, was a hit with students, bringing joy and excitement to each classroom she visited.
“We are so grateful to Paul McCaffrey and Lilly for bringing such a wonderful experience to our students,” said Calkins. “Lilly’s visits not only helped students understand the value of therapy dogs but also reinforced important life skills like kindness and empathy.”
Lilly will also help introduce Goodyear Elementary’s next character trait, Courage, during the Lion’s Pride assembly on March 3. Students will have the chance to reflect on what it means to be brave and how they can demonstrate courage in their daily lives.
Principal Patrissi expressed her enthusiasm for the program: “We are thrilled to have Lilly and Paul join us this December. The students have truly benefited from these visits, and it’s been wonderful to see how Lilly has brought so much happiness and calm to our school community.”
Goodyear Elementary looks forward to continuing these initiatives to foster a positive and supportive school environment, and thanks the Goodyear PTO for providing the funds for this enriching activity.
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Goodyear Elementary School student Micah Jones hugs Lilly, a certified therapy dog, during her classroom visits in December. (Courtesy Woburn Public Schools) -
Goodyear students petting Lilly. (Courtesy Woburn Public Schools) -
Lilly’s owner Paul McCaffrey (left) and Goodyear Elementary School’s Adjustment Counselor Kelly Calkins (right) with Lilly. (Courtesy Woburn Public Schools)
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