SOUTHERN PINES ELEMENTARY 2023 – 2024
On Friday, April 19, 2024, over 80 Southern Pines Elementary fourth graders gathered in the school’s outdoor amphitheater to participate in Lesson #6 (the Celebratory Assembly) of the Pet Responsibility Committee’s program. The students showed their knowledge of “How to help solve the Sad Problem of Pet Overpopulation in Moore County” by enthusiastic responses to questions asked by PRC volunteer Bill Russell.
Students enjoyed a visit by PRC’s mascot, Speuter, who read a poem about her sad beginning as an abandoned puppy and her rescue by a kind boy and his father. She will have a loving life from now on.
JAS k9 Dog trainers Robert Williams and Dawn Bowden, along with their young Belgian Malinois, Ricca, showed many basic commands. Robert demonstrated the correct way to greet a dog using WAIT = Waiting a safe distance away, until a student has permission to approach the dog; Ask for permission to pet the dog; Invite the dog to approach and sniff; if the dog approaches, Touch the dog gently under the chin or on the chest.
Dawn helped Ricca demonstrate her “spelling” knowledge by understanding S-I-T, D-O-W-N, and S-P-I-N. The students were excited to be able to meet Ricca at the end of the Assembly! At the end of JAS k9 presentation, Robert & Dawn delighted the students with a donation given to Ms. Painter for a pizza party!
Star Artist awards are given for creative, imaginative illustrations and messages drawn on a plain white paper bag, that is given to the Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic in Vass, for dispensing medications to pet owners for their pets having Spay/Neuter procedures. Winning Star Artists were Maggie T., Luke L., Miles J., Jourdin H., Jerimiah L., Ava L., Summer G., and Nyla S. Their illustrations can be seen in the slide show.
Students entered a Speuter Story writing contest to illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering of pets. Winners received a free spay/neuter procedure for their pet or one that they know. The winners were Messiah B., Amiya A., and Ayva P. for their dogs Michael, Zip, and Reign. Gabby S. donated her voucher to her grandmother for dog Rambo; Layla B. donated her voucher to a relative for his dog Mason. Liddy C. and Lydia J. donated their vouchers back to PRC to be used for a pet in need.
The Promise Poster was read and students replied with “I Promise” showing their agreement to be responsible Pet Owners. Students will sign the poster and it will be displayed in the school.
The Pet Responsibility Committee welcomes SPE’s 2024 4th graders as new Animal Advocates!!
