ASSISTANCE DOG … Stryker Local School students, teachers and staff are all excited as this beautiful black Labrador, Jet, will be joining the staff. He will be assisting students at all grade levels, with a daily schedule as well as for any rough situations when a child needs him for comfort. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Rebecca Miller
Stryker Dean of Students Beth Morr had informed council at the August BOE meeting that their school had been selected to receive an assistance dog.
At the October 24, 2022 meeting of the school board, she was thrilled to tell them that the school will be welcoming “Jet”, a beautiful black Labrador, in December.
He was born into The Ability Center breeding program on July 3, 2020 and according to Ability Center Director of Assistance Dogs, “has been doing a fantastic job in the Canine Student Teacher program.”
Morr said that the School Facility Dog team training will take place December 5-9 and they can take a total of up to four handlers to the event.
At this point in time, she is planning to go, along with Principal Dave Shultz who is very excited about Jet, and Amanda Fritsch.
There is still one opening and it seems everyone wants to go. Financially, she had great news concerning this new step.
Originally there was a $2000 fee which the school would pay, but a memorial donation was made to The Ability Center that covers the fee. Thus, Stryker Local Schools will be welcoming Jet, with no up-front cost.
In regular business, Stryker school board voted to accept the Treasurer/CFO reports and recommendations given by Jill Peters:
- General Fund – total revenue $401,894.72, Total expenses $558,557.35, and Cash balance $9,234,538.32
- Following donations – $845 for playground equipment from Kenneth Frank Memorial; $100 for FFA from Kenn-Feld Group; $1,775 for football fund from Stryker Athletic Boosters; $100 for the flag football program from Freedom Sales; and an anonymous gift of $3,464 to the Jr. Class fund
- Amended Certificate of Estimated Resources
- Updated 5-year forecast
In the rest of her report to the board, Morr informed them of the following:
- Family Fun Night on October 14 was a great success
- October 25 & 26 – 3rd Grade State ELA test
- October 26 and 28 Karuna House
Shultz added in his report:
- October 24 Art Spanish Club trip to Chicago
- November 4 Crazy Coin Day (fundraiser for Christmas for Kids)
- November 9 Winter Sports Pictures at 3:30
- November 10 Grades 6-High School Band Concert at 6 p.m.
- November 11 Veterans Day and all Veterans are invited to eat lunch at the school, with a student if they choose
- November 15 Christmas for Kids day
- November 16 Mid Term Reports for 2nd 9 weeks
Shultz also congratulated all the fall sports teams on a fine season and wished the winter sports teams good luck.
Superintendent Nate Johnson was given approval by the board for recommendations: a. the NEOLA policy guidleines and b. the overnight extended trip for the FFA to the National Convention to be held October 26-28 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The next board meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2022 at 5:30 in the HS meeting room.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com