The Bethpage Board of Education convened at Charles Campagne Elementary School on Jan. 20, opening the meeting with recognition of athletic excellence and an inspiring presentation on the school's therapy dog program.
Superintendent David Schneider honored Bethpage High School’s varsity girls cross-country team for their outstanding achievements this season. The team captured both county and conference championships and placed sixth in the state competition. Beyond their athletic success, the team also earned scholar athlete recognition, demonstrating excellence both on the course and in the classroom.
Head Coach Jim Ravener was recognized for his leadership after being named Nassau County and Long Island Coach of the Year. Each team member received a certificate in acknowledgment of their accomplishments.
CCS Principal Julianne Inghilterra and school psychologist Maureen Conklin then presented an overview of the school's therapy dog program, featuring Oakley, a fox red Labrador retriever born in 2022. Owned and trained by Conklin, Oakley is a certified therapy dog with READ certification and a Canine Good Citizen achievement.
The presentation highlighted numerous benefits the therapy dog provides to the school community, including:
Increased engagement with learning tasks
Support for literacy development
Reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation
Enhanced attitudes toward reading and writing
Encouragement of a positive school climate
Development of empathy
Oakley visits CCS one to two times per week, participating in classroom visits as well as small group and individual support sessions. Ms. Inghilterra and Ms. Conklin emphasized the careful and thoughtful approach taken to introduce Oakley to the school community.
One highlight of the therapy dog program has been the creation of a pen pal initiative connecting CCS students with other school communities that have therapy dogs. Students have been corresponding with peers and their therapy dogs across the United States and even in the United Kingdom.
This program has strengthened letter writing skills, increased student engagement in writing, and encouraged pride and ownership in student work. The school has displayed a map in the hallway showing all pen pal locations, creating cross-curricular connections to geography and map skills.
Several CCS students spoke during the presentation, sharing personal testimonials about how Oakley’s presence has helped them. The public portion of the meeting concluded with enthusiastic applause and treats for Oakley, who attended the meeting, before the board entered executive session.
