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Photo From: Jack Barnes - Album: Pets

Description: Showell Elementary School, Berlin, Md. The dog reading program initiated by Special Ed Teacher, Liz Scott, and principal, Paula Jones has begun its second year at Showell Elementary School in Berlin. Therapy dogs King, a Collie mix and Maverick, a Golden Retriever, along with handlers Jack Barnes and Bill Linehan, work with the special education students in one-on-one sessions about 3 days each week. The program has become very popular with parents and students alike, with 13 students enrolled in this year's program. The dogs provide a non-judgemental atmosphere, and are calming to the students who enjoy selecting special books to read to the dogs each week. The teachers also utilize the dogs as an incentive for the students to practice reading leading up to their individual reading session which lasts about 1/2 hour. King and Maverick just enjoy being with the students who offer treats and short walks after each reading session. Shown in the photo below are some of the participants in the program. Lto R first row; Maverick, David Keyes, Garrett Rites, King second row; Jair Saldana, handler,Bill Linehan, Alex Schacter, Daniel Morse, handler Jack Barnes, Preston Whittaker. third row; aides Jeanie D. Michele and Shelly Krall, Special Ed teachers Carolyn Locke and Liz Scott. Uploaded: 10/15/2007 by Jack Barnes