51萝莉

A superintendent鈥檚 visit to a school can trigger others鈥� nerves, but not when it鈥檚 Joan Mast 鈥� at least when she鈥檚 accompanying Spiffy, a trained therapy dog. 鈥淚t just adds a level of calm and approachability,鈥� says Mast, superintendent of New Jersey鈥檚 Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools. Not long after taking the job in 2019 and inspired by David Baugh, who trained a therapy dog while a Pennsylvania superintendent, Mast says her school board was 鈥渋mmediately enthusiastic鈥� about her suggestion to get one too. The COVID-19 pandemic and move to online schooling gave Mast and assistant Robin Broadbent the time and space to train Spiffy. The golden retriever, who enjoys shared custody with the two, is a sought-after personality across the district鈥檚 eight schools, listening to early readers, attending sporting events and providing a soft spot for struggling students. Says Mast, a 14-year 51萝莉 member: 鈥淚t really is a morale booster for the whole district climate.鈥�