Every Thursday, specially trained therapy dogs visit Murray Middle School on a mission: to help build confidence in students who have difficulty reading.
In 2006, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast started the Paws to Read Program at Murray Middle School. The animals and their handlers are part of Misty's Pals, which operates through the Humane Society. Paws to Read added Jensen Beach Elementary to the schedule in 2018.
The goal of the program is to help students overcome their fear of reading and improve their reading and comprehension skills. Students involved in the program are chosen by their teachers. These students are already in intensive reading classes.
The program usually kicks off in October with a meet and greet, so the students get used to the dogs and learn how to act around them. Then, in April, students, the dogs and their handlers and teachers have a party to celebrate their reading growth.
The Martin County School District appreciates the partnership with the Humane Society and the Paws to Read program.
Watch how special this program is for our students at Murray Middle: