We are thrilled to introduce Sloopy, the newest addition to East Rockaway Jr/Sr High School! Sloopy is a playful and affectionate 2-year-old Australian Labradoodle, ready to bring comfort, joy, and stress relief to our students. With his soft, hypoallergenic black fleece coat and friendly personality, Sloopy is sure to become a beloved presence in our school community.

Therapy dogs have been shown to provide numerous benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, increasing focus, and creating a calming environment. Our goal is to support student wellness through this program, offering an additional resource to enhance the overall school experience.

The therapy dog program is still in development, but we are now collecting permission slips for students who wish to participate. A completed and signed permission slip is required for student involvement. Please return the linked form to the counseling office to ensure participation.

Sloopy’s name comes from the song Hang on Sloopy, famously played by the Ohio State University marching band during football games. Just like the song, Sloopy is full of energy and spirit! He loves playing with his favorite ball, zooming around with excitement, and most importantly, sharing warmth and affection with everyone he meets.

Therapy dog visits will be held in designated areas within the school and will be carefully supervised to ensure a positive and safe experience for all students. We understand that some students may have medical concerns, such as allergies or specific anxieties. If your child has a documented allergy to dogs, please contact our school nurse so that we can accommodate their needs in our planning.

We can’t wait for everyone to meet Sloopy and experience the joy and comfort he brings!

Permission Slip: Click here to access the required permission slip. Please complete and return it to the counseling office.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the counseling office. We look forward to making this program a valuable addition to our school community!