Davis the facility dog becomes honorary staff member at Frankfort … – Chicago Tribune

Davis, a new facility dog based at Frankfort Square School, hangs out with second graders who need a break from their school work. Davis has become like a staff member, according to the school’s principal. (School District 161)
Before a dog named Davis was added to the staff at Frankfort Square School, students having a meltdown might spend 10 to 15 minutes in the “chill zone.” Now they’re feeling at ease as soon as they get a cuddle with the 3-year-old golden retriever.
Students now refer to their timeout sessions as “Davis Time” rather than “chill zone time.” Davis, a facility dog, has been trained to help professionals in settings like schools or health care but does not have the same qualifications or rights as a registered therapy or service dog.
Alexander, 9, a student in the school’s Social Emotional Resource Program and has had his share of anxious moments at school when he has had to visit the chill zone under the direction of social worker Kelly Robinson, said the dog is making a difference.
“I feel really happy; I feel joyful, hope,” he said.
Davis spends much of her time with SER students but also works the hallways at Frankfort Square and visits other Summit Hill School District 161 classrooms.
Alexander’s mom said the dog has made a difference for her son, especially after he’s had a meltdown or anxious moment.
“He can immediately go to pet and be with Davis and it makes him a lot calmer than before Davis,” she said. “Before, to calm down took anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes or longer, but it’s almost instantaneous when he gets to snuggle with the dog.”
A student at Frankfort Square School in Frankfort interacts with Davis, the school’s newest “staff member,” who also visits other schools in Summit Hill District 161. (School District 161)
She said she’s seen the dog making a difference for other students as well.
“I was at a Christmas performance and a bunch of kids seemed nervous,” she said. “Then they went up to pet Davis before they went on stage.”
Robinson, the social worker, had been mulling the idea for years. A dog lover with a two-year-old Lab mix named Groovy at home, Robinson adopted Davis through Heartland Service Dogs and had several training sessions with her. Davis has passed the Canine Good Citizen test, knows advanced obedience, hand signals and by all accounts is dedicated to her new job.
The district had already seen the positive impact from a therapy dog named Sonny, Davis’ sister, who had been adopted by their the district’s former occupational therapist.
Robinson teaches students how to interact with the dog and allows some of the shy students who need a little more practice communicating to give her commands.
The connection has helped one student who didn’t want to come to school.
“She will come down and spend some time with Davis to just kind of start her day off on a positive note and it makes her want to be there a little more,” said Robinson said.
Students sent to the chill zone still need to calm down before they get to pet the dog.
Once they do, “that immediately turns their sadness into a smile,” Robinson said.
She said Davis also has had an effect on adults at the school.
“We had a staff meeting on zoom and one of the teacher was like, ‘Can we see Davis now?” Robinson said. “The impact has just been beyond what we ever imagined it would be.”
Frankfort Square principal Jason Isdonas said he’s glad Davis came on board at his school.
“It has definitely exceeded my expectation,” he said. “When I originally thought about having a facility dog in our school, I thought OK, Mrs. Robinson would have the dog in her room and it would be available for students who need it.
“But Davis is now an integral member of our staff.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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