Service Dog @ Mattawan Later Elementary

Mattawan Later Elementary will have a service dog on our school campus beginning October 28 in Mrs. Comrie’s 4th grade classroom. Bauer is a yellow Labradoodle who will be going everywhere with his designated student so that he can assist as needed. Bauer is a service dog trained to complete a task and work for an individual with a disability. The student’s right to have a service animal is protected under civil rights legislation and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
We plan to have Later Elementary students introduced to Bauer through a video on Thursday, October 27. They will learn that Bauer is a service dog and that while at school Bauer is not a pet. It is extremely important that our students understand that while Bauer is working at school, we do not interrupt him with petting or calling his name. I know that this may be tough since Bauer is very cute, but it is vital to Bauer’s training that he not be distracted by other students. This does; however, offer a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn the value of supporting the diverse needs of their peers. It is another example of the positive and supportive school culture present at Mattawan Later Elementary.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.