Ken with Perkiomen Valley Middle School West Banner

Facility Dog

Ken, Middle School West Facility Dog, enjoying the outside
Ken, Middle School West Facility Dog

Perkiomen Valley School District is committed to a proactive approach in supporting our students. Middle School West is taking a crucial step in this direction, particularly in light of the escalating number of students whose mental health issues are hindering their academic performance. These students bring a range of emotional, behavioral, physical, and academic needs, making it imperative for us to act swiftly and effectively. Over the summer, Middle School West joined the Facility Dog Program to assist school staff in helping students reach their full academic potential.

The benefits of a Facility Dog are as follows: increase communication skills, foster trust, reduce anxiety and ease stress, reduce isolation and loneliness, provide joy and affection, improve self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, improve socialization, increase attentiveness and engagement, learn skills of acceptance and being non-judgmental, reduce inappropriate social behavior, support de-escalation strategies, improve reading skills, stimulate memory and problem-solving skills, support emotional regulation and reduce high-stress levels which inhibit effective learning and performance.

Middle School West has been fortunate to welcome Ken, a specially trained facility dog, into the PVSD family. As Ken gets accustomed to his new environment and schedule, we know he will make a tremendous impact, offering comfort, companionship, and joy to all West students.  In addition, Ken will nurture a stronger sense of belonging within our students and staff.

To bring Ken to West, our grant recipients took out a loan to cover the significant costs of acquiring and training such an excellent companion. The Foundation is seeking your support to help repay the loan so Ken and the West staff can continue to provide these essential services.

Your generous contributions will ensure that Ken can remain a vital part of our community, bringing smiles and solace to those who need it most. No matter the size, every donation will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.

Ken, facility dog at Middle School West

Ken’s Impact

Ken is positively changing student behavior and improving moods all around Middle School West. Here are just some of the lives Ken is improving by being there. Good Boy, Ken!

Jennifer Moylan, MTSS Facilitator, Middle School West

My room is right across from our Emotional Support classroom, and our students who receive services there have had quite a few opportunities to bond with Ken. Ken becomes an excellent communication tool with students there.  I covered the classroom for a little while today and had a student who would otherwise be very resistant to discussing schoolwork.  After some time with Ken, the student was willing to open his computer, take my feedback on how best to find his grades and missing assignments, showed concern for his grades, and willingly took a “to-do” list with him and even suggested where he should keep the list so that he could come back to it to complete the work.  It wasn’t completing work….yet….but baby steps are commendable with this student!

Jennifer Moylan, MTSS Facilitator, Middle School West

Ken is helping students with impulse control, as they wait respectfully and patiently for their turn with Ken.  As we know, this is difficult for some students, but when being successful with those skills results in time with Ken, students are highly motivated.  Students are expected to approach Ken with calmness, so this rule is also encouraging that positive behavior in the building.

Jennifer Moylan, MTSS Facilitator, Middle School West
Ken supported a student who was upset after the recent social media post about a threat to “PV” schools. It turned out to not be our school district, but this student really needed the time to re-regulate. After staff tried to provide that support for a bit, they came to visit Ken in my room, and the student relaxed within 5-10 minutes.
Jennifer Moylan, MTSS Facilitator, Middle School West

Students have the “joy” of completing make-up standardized testing with me, and although that’s not usually a fun task, I just had a student walk in and say he didn’t care about doing it because “this is the best room in the whole school!”

Carla Zielinski, Middle School West 8th Grade Counselor

This past week, I had a new 8th grader start at West.  He was so nervous and anxious, and the moment he saw Ken, he lit up, and the walls that he had up came crumbling down.  Jen brought Ken in to meet him, and our conversations centered around Ken for most of the day.  The next day of school, the first thing he asked me was, “Where is Ken?”

Carla Zielinski, Middle School West 8th Grade Counselor

We have a student who used to miss a lot of school and come in late often.  She loves Ken and Jen has enlisted her support every morning to brush Ken and fill up his water bowl.  Her attendance has improved and she is no longer late.

Observation from Carla Zielinski, Middle School West 8th Grade Counselor

Jen stands outside with Ken when the buses are pulling in each morning, and she watches the students’ faces change through the bus windows once they see Ken.  She sees sleepy faces burst into big smiles as they see Ken standing there.  It is sort of like this all day.  As soon as a staff member or a student sees him, their mood is instantly transformed to one of joy and happiness.  Then, when Ken showers them with his attention, nothing else exists, and the smile never leaves their face.

All About Ken

The Basics

Breed: Goldendoodle

Birthday: February 22, 2023

 

I am a perfect mix of calm, chill, and playful! I love meeting new people and giving kisses!

Ken enjoying MSW's courtyard

My Care Team

Ken and his care team (L-R: Bill Montgomery (handler), Deb Lesh (secondary caretaker and handler), Carla Zielinski, Andrea Nehila (handler), Ava Bellino, Jen Moylan (main caretaker), and Christian Specht (handler))
L-R: Bill Montgomery (handler), Deb Lesh (secondary caretaker and handler), Carla Zielinski, Andrea Nehila (handler), Ava Bellino, Jen Moylan (main caretaker), and Christian Specht (handler)

My Family

I live with my mom & dad (Mrs. and Mr. Moylan) and 3 sisters (15, 10, and 8). My uncle, aunt, and 2 cousins (5 and 2) live nearby!

Ken meeting Kevin, MSW's courtyard turtle

My Favorite Things

Playing fetch, cuddling, treats, toys (especially my whale, wishbone, and chicken)!

Things I Know

sit, down, stay, get back, paw, crate, up, leave it, wait, with me/heel, go say hi

Things I’m Working On

getting used to new things like baseball bats, squeaky toys, lots of new people and places

Ken with PVSDF Executive Director, Kristin Craven

How You Can Help

Donate: Your generous donations are essential to making this campaign a success. Every dollar helps provide support to Middle School West students.

Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, family, and the community. The more people who know about our initiative, the closer we reach our goal.

If you or your company want to support Ken and the counselors at Middle School West at a higher level, please contact Perkiomen Valley School District Foundation Executive Director Kristin Craven at FoundationED@pvsd.org.

Support Ken

Thank you for your support!

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