St. John Paul II 2025-2026
Saint John Paul II Catholic School is such a warm, inviting, and loving school. The students are smart, attentive and kind. It’s always a privilege to bring our Pet Responsibility Program to the 4th graders at SJP because we know they already take good care of their pets. We can count on these 4th graders to go out and spread our message of pet responsibility. Many of them will one day volunteer in animal shelters, advocate for pets of their own or a pet in need, some will even choose a career with animals. These are the students who will grow up and make a difference in a pet’s life!
Pet Responsibility Committee members Sarah Monzillo (with Certified Therapy Dog Charlie) and Katie Bessiere taught the program once a week for six consecutive weeks. It went quickly but the hour-long classes were filled with information.
We ended our program with a celebratory assembly in the Media Center. Those attending were the 4th grade students, teacher Ms. Pamela Francis, our PRC mascot Speuter (Philippa Davidson), PRC President Angela Zumwalt and photographers from Mike Dubbs’ photo club. Our guest speaker was Dr. Erin Barney from Longleaf Animal Hospital.
Dr. Barney gave a great presentation on the importance of taking care of pets/animals. She discussed the positive impact of spaying and neutering pets, proper health care and exercise. Dr. Barney demonstrated a typical vet check- up on Charlie Monzillo, who was an excellent “patient”. In response to a question, Dr. Barney also told of her journey to become a veterinarian. It wasn’t a clear choice of hers when she was a 4th grader. She studied several subjects, including marine biology, before deciding her goal was a veterinarian. We appreciated Dr. Barney’s presentation!
Grace G. put together and presented a wonderful Powerpoint slideshow and was our Speuter Story contest winner. She’ll donate her spay/neuter voucher to someone in need. She also received a framed certificate from Speuter.
Very creative & meaningful Clinic Art bags were submitted. They will be used by the Spay/Neuter Vet Clinic in Vass to dispense medication & post-surgery instructions to pet owners after their pet’s procedure. Star Artist awards went to Olivia S., Colin P., Caroline M. and Hannah. Art teacher Ms. Peters also contributed her Clinic Art bag!
We are grateful to SJP2 for allowing us to bring the Pet Responsibility Program to their 4th grade students each year. We have a lot of fun, but the message we teach is received loud and clear by the kids. Welcome SJP2 Animal Advocates!!
