Paws & Peers has arrived at Jefferson!
Hotch is part of MPS PAWs and Peers program. Hotch has received rigorous training and testing to be allowed to work at Jefferson Elementary.
What is Paws & Peers
Paws & Peers, in collaboration with East Valley K9’s Angel Dogs, trains therapy dogs for Mesa Public Schools campuses (Select schools only). Participating district staff and their dogs pass 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. Students also interact directly with the dogs 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.