02.27.26 - Community Newsletter

The Brunswick School Department (BSD) offers many resources to support students, particularly those who may be struggling during a challenging day. Some of our most effective resources have four legs and a tail – our therapy dogs.

Ru, short for Arugula, Elmer Glue, and Greta, are among the therapy dogs that excel at helping students and may be the most popular members of our staff.

Ru, a 5-year-old miniature schnauzer, works with his owner, Deb Belaire, a special education teacher at the junior high school. Ru joined the staff in September 2025, after completing his Canine Good Citizenship classes and becoming a Certified Therapy Dog.

Elmer Glue, a four-year-old golden retriever, has been on the job for three years, teaming with Mary Kunhardt, a special education social worker at the high school. Like Ru, he is trained and licensed to work as a therapy dog.

Greta, an 11-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, has been on the job for five years, teaming with Tracy Carrier, a school social worker at the Harriet Beecher Stowe School. Like Ru and Elmer, Greta is trained and licensed to work as a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs are on leash and under their owner's control when moving about the school.

The dogs love coming to work, and students and staff love having them, as evidenced by the energy in the hallway when a canine is around. If a student is having a rough day, feels stressed about an upcoming test, or simply wants to see a friendly face, our therapy dogs happily add some cheer to the student’s day.

While most students (and staff) love dogs and enjoy being greeted by a tail wag, Ru, Greta and Elmer Glue also excel with students who may be struggling at school.

Therapy dogs offer far more than a welcome distraction in the school hallway — they serve as a meaningful tool for supporting student mental health, emotional regulation, and academic readiness. Research supported by organizations such as the American Kennel Club and Pet Partners demonstrates that structured animal-assisted interventions can meaningfully reduce stress and anxiety, improve social connection, and foster greater well-being among students. Studies have also shown that interactions with therapy dogs can lower cortisol levels — the body's primary stress hormone — while simultaneously boosting oxytocin, the chemical associated with bonding and calm. This biological response helps explain why even brief, structured visits with a therapy dog can help students reset during difficult moments or high-pressure periods, such as standardized testing.

Beyond emotional support, therapy dogs have shown particular promise as literacy aids in educational settings. Programs like Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) have demonstrated that children who read aloud to dogs show measurable improvements in reading fluency and confidence, largely because the non-judgmental presence of an animal removes the fear of making mistakes. Therapy dogs also play a valuable role in supporting students with autism spectrum disorder and other social-emotional learning challenges, helping them build communication skills and peer relationships in a low-pressure way.

At their core, therapy dogs help transform the school environment into a more nurturing, psychologically safe space — one where students feel genuinely supported and, as a result, more ready to engage and learn. For students navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or simply the ordinary pressures of growing up, the steady, unconditional presence of a therapy dog can make a meaningful difference in their day.

Deb shared a story about a student who is successful because they are allowed to visit Ru when upset. “Ru seems to know the kids who need the most attention,” says Deb, who notes that Ru is particularly comforting to those who don’t make friends easily.

“I see a lot of smiles in the hallway,” says Mary. “Some parents have said that Elmer is the only reason their student comes to school.”

Interestingly, the dogs also teach social skills. By observing a dog’s reaction to something they may dislike, students learn about reading social cues. For example, if Ru walks away during a long interaction, the student learns that dogs, like people, get tired and may need a break.

Therapy dogs also strengthen community connections within the schools. It’s common to see students from different classes, clubs, and friend groups petting one of our therapy dogs at the same time. These students may not otherwise have any contact or connection with each other.

John Grogan, author of "Marley & Me," said, "It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them."

At the Brunswick School Department, they do that and so much more.

Steps to register for 2026-27 PreK

Follow these steps to register your child for next year's BSD Pre-K class. This is for the upcoming school year September 2026-June 2027.

For information about the Brunswick School Department's Pre-K programming click HERE .

For the Pre-K Application click HERE .

For Translation information click HERE .

Danielle Lavway
Pre-K Special Education Ed Tech
KFS

Danielle grew up in Waterville, attended Waterville Senior High School and graduated from University of Maine in Orono. Danielle's family includes her husband, four children and a dog (lab/cattle mix) and a cat.

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud

The sense of community is great in Brunswick. Our children really enjoy the BSD and have grown so much academically and socially. After being a substitute in the district for 3 years, I'm grateful to be officially joining the BSD team.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I like to spend time at the beach. Spend time with family & friends outdoors, and support our children at their sporting events. We really enjoying going to the Hearts of Pines games when we are able to score tickets!

Favorite line from a movie?

"If you lay a strong enough foundation, We’ll pass it on to you, We'll give the world to you." - Hamilton

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

My grandmother that passed away before I was born. I hear that she was an amazing woman! Our daughter is named after her.

What is something you learned in the last week?

A dog's nose print is as unique as a human finger print!

Open Employment Positions:

• Lunch Aides- Kate Furbish Elementary School
• Long Term Sub: PreK Ed Tech - Kate Furbish School
• Accounts Payable Coordinator (Search Reopened!) - District
• Self Contained Behavior Ed Tech - Kate Furbish Elementary School
• Long Term Sub Ed Tech - Kate Furbish Elementary School
• Coaching Positions have been posted! Brunswick High and Brunswick Jr. High School
• Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, - Check them all out!
• Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach
• Substitute Nurses, Teachers, Ed Techs, Tutors
• School Bus Drivers!!
• Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
• Substitute Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
• ...And MORE!

We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view

all current employment opportunities!

You can view previous newsletters on our website!

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