Dog Daycare Coop Program

Shane's work coop program has been getting a lot of press lately. In fact both of us were on CBC's The National last week. Here's the link to read the CBC article, and you can click on the video as well:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/01/18/toronto-mississauga-dog-daycare-school.html

We are all so proud of Shane. He expressed himself very well.

The program has done a lot to build his confidence. He really loves working with the dogs, he has had the chance to demonstrate his strong work ethic, and develop his organization skills, all in a safe environment since the program is run out of the school. Now the teachers have had a chance to see some of the skills and abilities that I see at home!

A big thank you to West Credit Secondary School, and the principal, Ms Sheahan, for building this program. It took courage and drive to make it happen. Shane's eyes have been opened to potential career paths working with animals, and he wants to apply for a summer job in a pet store.

Lisa

Volunteer work

Like all other Ontario high school students who will graduate with a diploma, Shane must complete 40 hours of approved volunteer work. So, in the summer, Grampa and Shane went to the local library (Grampa is an avid reader and active borrower), and inquired about volunteering. As of today, Shane is set to volunteer on Tuesday afternoons. Our particular library runs 5-week sessions, 2 hours per week, for a total 10 hours after he is finished. Then, he can re-apply.

The library is a good choice, because the rules are clear, the environment is quiet, and he is familiar with it.

Last year at school, Shane logged 5 hours of volunteer work for the school's plant sale. When I showed up after a couple of hours to buy some plants and check on how he was doing, I found him entertaining the teacher's 2-year-old daughter, and not really helping people carry plants to their cars. The teacher was glad for the help, so it worked out. This time with the library, he will learn to be on time for a job, and we have been impressing on him the importance of doing the job and not goofing around.

Here is the schedule that will be posted on the fridge:

2:45	Arrive home from school, let the dogs outside, put backpack on shelf downstairs
2:50	Have a glass of milk and a snack
3:03	Brush teeth
3:06	Wash armpits and apply deodorant
3:12	Put on shoes, jacket, take library card and walk to library
3:25	Arrive at library, sign your name in the volunteer binder, check the volunteer tasks, and start the first task
	Work on as many tasks as possible, checking all work, until 5:30, no breaks, no talking to others
	If a customer asks a question about books or other library resources, say “I’m a volunteer. You should ask the Resource Librarian, Catherine.” Then tell the person where Catherine is. You may tell people where the bathrooms are if they ask.
5:30	Sign out your name in the volunteer binder and walk home. If you bring your own money, you may buy a drink at Tim Hortons before coming home but after volunteer work.