therapy dogs

Press Release:

The Le Roy Police Department is proud to announce the launch of a new Therapy Dog Program. It is welcoming its newest and furriest member, Kronk, a professionally trained therapy dog who will work alongside Officer Krysta Tomaszewski, the department's School Resource Officer, at the Le Roy Jr/Sr High School Campus. 

Kronk and Officer Tomaszewski recently completed specialized training through the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Paws & Stripes College, a nationally recognized program known for its work in pairing therapy dogs with law enforcement officers to support mental health, foster positive relationships, and enhance public safety outreach. 

Chief Gregory Kellogg, who has championed the development of this initiative, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the program. 

Kellogg said, "This has truly been a community effort from the support of our Village Board to the commitment of the Le Roy Central School District. Kronk isn't just here for the students's here for the entire community. We're incredibly proud to bring a program like this to Le Roy." 

The Therapy Dog Program is designed to provide emotional support and comfort in a variety of settings, both in the schools and throughout the broader Le Roy community. Whether helping a student through a difficult day, comforting a victim during a crisis, or connecting with residents at community events, Kronk is trained to be a calming and supportive presence. 

Superintendent Meritt Holly echoed the department's enthusiasm, "The partnership with the Le Roy Police Department continues to grow in meaningful ways. Bringing Kronk into our schools will help us support students' mental health and build trust and positive relationships between young people and law enforcement." 

Program Highlights and Benefits: 

• Provides emotional support to students and community members experiencing stress or trauma.
• Enhances community policing efforts by building positive, approachable connections between officers and residents.
• The mission of the Le Roy Central School District is to provide an exceptional, high quality educational environment where all learners are empowered to succeed.
• Supports mental wellness initiatives at Le Roy CSD and other local institutions.
• Offers comfort and reassurance during times of crisis, both in schools and throughout the Village.  
• Creates additional opportunities for outreach at community events, senior centers, and more. 

Kronk will start his first day on the job on Monday, April 7, and become a regular and beloved presence at Le Roy CSD and will also be available for community visits and events coordinated through the Le Roy Police Department. 

For more information about the Therapy Dog Program, or to request a visit from Kronk, please contact the Le Roy Police Department. 
 

Press Release:

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Genesee Valley School Board Association (GVSBA) met for their annual breakfast hosted by the Byron-Bergen Central School District. 

The event included superintendents and representatives from districts throughout the GLOW region as well as Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Gregg Torrey representing Senator George Borrello. The gathering served as an opportunity for the school administrators and school board members to discuss issues with their state representatives and
honor the 2024 recipients of the Excellence in Student Service awards.

“I was very pleased with the nominations as they came in this year and the wide range of programs,” said GVSBA Coordinator Pat Burk. “It shows that schools are thinking outside of the box to make what they do much more accessible as well as entertaining and really, really special.”

Twenty school districts and Genesee Valley BOCES received Excellence in Student Service awards. Byron-Bergen was honored for the district-wide therapy dog program which launched in 2021 through the efforts of district staff and retired Byron-Bergen teacher Jen Faro. The program began with one therapy dog, Pinot, owned by Faro, and has quickly expanded to include six dogs and additional visiting dogs from the Rochester-based not-for-profit, RocDogs.

Pinot, Maya, Dottie, Stew, Hula, and Daisy are valuable members of our team,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “These therapy dogs are boots on the ground, in the district supporting student and staff mental health. I am extremely proud of this program and believe that they deserve this recognition.”

The award was presented by Burk and GVSBA and Byron-Bergen School Board President Deb List. The award was accepted by McGee, Director of Instructional Services Betsy Brown with her therapy dog Dottie, and Byron-Bergen High School Counselor Kristie Holler with her therapy dog Stew.

“The therapy dogs are here for all of our students as well as the staff,” said Brown. “There are students who specifically visit the office just to see Dottie and receive some love and attention. Research shows that interacting with therapy dogs reduces stress and anxiety and I’m thrilled that Dottie and I can be active participants in the program.”

The event also included a performance by the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Jazz Ensemble led HS Band Director Kevin Bleiler, breakfast catered by the Byron-Bergen Food Service Department, and discussion sessions in which school and elected officials discussed rural education.