Patterson has elected to participate in the Mesa Public Schools Paws & Peers school therapy dog program. Paws & Peers, in collaboration with East Valley K9’s Angel Dogs, trains therapy dogs for Mesa Public Schools campuses (Select schools only). Participating staff members and their dogs pass extensive obedience and therapy classes and are independently tested and approved by an Animal Assisted Therapy evaluation. The goal of Paws & Peers is to provide a new way to incorporate lessons on social and emotional learning, resiliency, empathy and the human-animal bond for students and staff. The Mutt-i-grees® curriculum, written by Yale University, is provided to all handlers as a resource for their social-emotional learning lessons. Students will interact directly with the dogs on campus for more individualized learning opportunities. These dogs may serve as a trusted companion in the classroom, counseling, health or administrative office for crisis intervention, behavioral de-escalation, or to address stress, anxiety and/or isolation.

If you do not want your child to participate in this curriculum or animal engagement, please visit this page for an opt-out form and return to the school office via email or drop off.

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Patterson Elementary

Meet Patterson's Therapy Dog

Parent Letter