BTCS proudly announces a new staff member who will be joining Tennessee High School’s Viking Academy by January 2025. Welcome Jingle, the first official Therapy Dog in BTCS. Jingle is a goldendoodle who was born on July 19, 2024. 

Therapy dogs in schools provide emotional support, helping reduce stress and anxiety among students. Their presence can improve focus, foster positive social interactions, and create a calming environment. Additionally, therapy dogs can enhance students' emotional well-being and contribute to a more positive school culture. We anticipate that Jingle will not only provide valuable support to our students but will also pave the way for future BTCS therapy dogs.

In August 2024, BTCS was one of only five districts to receive a Beyond Ordinary Learning Opportunities (BOLO) grant from the Tennessee Department of Education to establish a therapy dog program. Prior to beginning at Viking Academy, Jingle will receive her official training from Trained Wright K-9 to help her pass the Good Citizen’s Test. We know Jingle will work hard and do her best on the test! 

Inspired by the local community partnership, interest at Tennessee High School, and the successful district-owned therapy dog programs in Franklin Special School District and Coffee County School District, BTCS officials decided to explore a similar initiative. During a visit to middle Tennessee, Franklin Special School District officials shared insights on the benefits of their eight district-owned therapy dogs. Our team returned to Bristol energized and determined to bring the therapy dog dream to reality for our school community.

Jingle is an F1B goldendoodle, which means she is one generation more hypoallergenic than a first generation goldendoodle! If your child has allergies or would prefer not to interact with Jingle, they can simply opt-out or choose not to engage with her. Additional information regarding the opt-out process will be shared in the near future.  For any questions or concerns, contact Kristie Coleman at studentservices@btcs.org.

Therapy Dog Handbook for Families and Staff This handbook provides information about our therapy dog, Jingle, and the benefits she will bring to our school community. Learn about the potential physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and environmental benefits of therapy dogs. Discover how Jingle will interact with students, from whole-class activities to individual support. Understand the guidelines for therapy dog interactions and how to opt your child out if you prefer. Let's welcome Jingle and embrace the positive impact she will have on our students' well-being.

Opt-Out Form
While therapy dogs can be a great opportunity for students, we understand if you prefer your child not interact with a dog casually or in a one-on-one environment. If for any reason, you would like to opt your child out of interacting with Jingle or any future district therapy dogs, please complete this form by Monday, December 2, 2024. If you have questions, you may contact your school principal or Student Services at (423) 652-9451.

"Always a friend: Therapy dog-in-training, Jingle"
by Nancy Smith, Kayden Adams, and Lottie Boyles
Staff Writers, The Maroon & White