West End Elementary, Oct 2024
On Friday, October 18, 2024, the West End Elementary fourth graders gathered in the school Media Center to celebrate becoming Animal Advocates after participating in the Pet Responsibility Program.
A review of the “I Can” statements from each lesson was facilitated by PRC volunteer Liz Surface and 5 students from her class. The fourth graders recalled the statements with great participation.
The Pet Responsibility Committee (PRC) mascot, Speuter, who had been a lonely stray kitty, was introduced to the students and read a poem that told her story and highlighted responsibility for our pets.
Five students were announced as winners of the Speuter Story Contest, successfully describing the importance of getting our pets “fixed” to control Pet Overpopulation. The students won a free spay/neuter for their pets or could donate their award to another person. Winners were Paige W, donating her voucher to friends for their rescued stray cat, Burrito. Dixon A, Jesus M, Emerson D and Kayla R all donated their vouchers back to the PRC for 4 kittens in needy situations that will be fixed at the clinic in November.
Twelve Star Artist awards were given for creative illustrations of pet care on “clinic bags”. The decorated paper bags were donated to the Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic in Vass, for dispensing medications to pet owners to give to their pets after their surgeries.
The guest speaker was Dr. Janice Baker. She borrowed Susie Wall and Beanie and showed the kids how she does an exam on a dog. Beanie was very cooperative, and 2 students assisted Dr. Baker. A question-and-answer period followed and the fourth graders were very engaged and interested in learning about Dr. Baker’s career path and experiences.
The Promise Poster was read by PRC volunteer Kathy McGrath, with students agreeing to the pet-related statements by saying “I Promise”. It was circulated among the classrooms for signing by the fourth graders and will be displayed in the school. Bookmarks and stickers were distributed in the classrooms.
Congratulations to the West End fourth graders for speaking up for “those who have no voice”. They will be wonderful Animal Advocates!!
