-
ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF THE HUMANE HEARTS PROGRAM TO COAL MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY FOR THE 2021-2022 ACADEMIC YEAR!!!!!!!!
We are very excited to be partnering with the Forsyth County Humane Society’s "Humane Hearts" program again this year. This program allows for specifically trained volunteers and certified therapy dogs to work with our students. Our students (and staff!) love having the therapy dogs on campus.
There are many scientifically proven benefits to interacting with therapy dogs.
According to the following website (), some of those benefits include:
- releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect
- the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response
- decreases feelings of isolation
- decreases anxiety
- Reduces boredom
- Lowers anxiety and decreases agitation
- Releases many hormones such as Phenyl ethylamine which has the same mood lifting effect as chocolate
- Increases socialization /encourages communication
- Helps with focus and attention skill building
Additional, academic benefits that many of our students experience include:
- helps children focus better
- improves literacy skills
- provides non-stressful, non-judgmental environment
- increases self-confidence
- reduces self-consciousness
- encourages the love of reading in specific and learning in general
We encourage you to visit the Humane Hearts Facebook page for additional information .
Many of our classrooms will receive monthly visits from the therapy dog team. If your child’s classroom has chosen to participate, you will receive information from the teacher along with an “opt out” option. Although we certainly recognize the many benefits of therapy dogs, we also understand that there may be allergies or past traumatic events with animals that may prevent a student from safely interacting with the animals. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact Dr. Deana Brown (debrown@forsyth.k12.ga.us).