Woodbury Leadership Academy students with a rescue puppy from Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue. Photos: Elena Lindermann
The K–12 charter school is bringing real-world volunteerism to the classroom.
This February, Woodbury Leadership Academy (WLA) is partnering with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue (CHDR) for the school’s fourth grade service learning project. Over the course of five visits, CHDR rescue volunteers will share real-life rescue stories and discuss the core virtues that were learned through each one. The St. Croix Valley area nonprofit will also bring a few rescue dogs into the classroom as playful teaching assistants.
Elena Lindermann, a volunteer at CHDR and the mother of a Woodbury Leadership Academy student, gives us an inside look into the program.
How did Woodbury Leadership Academy first begin working with CHDR?
EL: There are so many real-life examples and stories demonstrating the leadership core virtues [respect, responsibility, perseverance, gratitude and humanity]. When one of WLA’s families suggested a service learning project with rescued dogs, the school was very receptive. The family volunteers and fosters for CHDR, and [they] developed a presentation featuring stories of rescued dogs and kids in foster families.
How has working with CHDR benefited the students and the rescue?
EL: WLA students got to see first-hand that they can make an impact and grow as leaders through experiencing rescue dog stories. If someone learns a story about an animal with a disability, they can better relate to the concept of ‘It’s OK to be different,’ and [they] would know it’s wrong to make fun of someone because of their disability. Knowing and understanding the power of rescue helps expand the kids’ world. CHDR benefits from bringing the program to schools because it helps create future leaders and build awareness of the rescue’s work. Awareness brings more foster, volunteer and adoption interest.
As a volunteer, what do you hope the students will feel inspired to do after learning about animal rescue and working with the dogs in the program?
EL: I hope that they realize that their lives can be so meaningful through volunteerism, [either with] the rescue or another organization. I hope that they share their learnings with their families and may be inspired to try fostering or volunteering at dog adoption events.
What has been your favorite part of the program?
EL: I love to see the kids excited to participate in the session and [ask] so many insightful questions. I love their unfiltered surprise and compassion as they listen to the stories of rescued dogs and kids in foster families. I love them sharing their own stories and experiences with us. I love hearing from my daughter about how much they loved the presentation and meeting the dogs. And, one of my favorite parts is to catch first graders on their way into the classroom and hear that high-pitched sound of the excited screams when they see rescue puppies in the room.
Woodbury Leadership Academy
8089 Globe Drive; 651.571.2100
Facebook: Woodbury Leadership Academy
Instagram: @woodbury_leadership_academy
Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue
449 County Road VV, Somerset, Wisconsin
Facebook: Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue
Instagram: @cocosheartdogrescue
