School and Community Summer 2023

“My students talk a lot about how they’re just not ‘people-people,’” she explained. “They often struggle with connections.” This awareness of her students’ emotions led Moore to explore alternative ways to engage her classes and build social skills. Drawing upon her own love for animals, she reached out across the street to the Franklin County Humane Society of Missouri for inspiration. The shelter was excited to partner with Moore and together they crafted a plan for her students to volunteer frequently. Project 180 students have learned how to sweep floors, clean windows and care for animals, among other tasks that some had never done before. This experience has, in many ways, bridged the barrier between students and the outside world. “The class has helped them with their grades and social emotional wellness, but now they’re also able to donate their time, which feels good for everybody,” Moore stated. “The shelter has been amazing, accommodating us and making sure that we always have tasks to do. My kids really, really love going there.” This collaboration has instilled a sense of responsibility and compassion in Moore’s students, improving their academic performance and well-being. Some who were initially reluctant to participate have become enthusiastic volunteers who now take pride in their work. Moore says that the experience has helped her students become more empathetic, especially if they themselves have had an emotionally tough time. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field in the mental health industry, and studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase feelings of happiness. For at-risk youth who may be dealing with trauma, neglect or abuse, animal therapy can provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where they can heal and learn valuable life skills. “They gravitate towards the animals,” Moore said. “They’re always petting them and whispering to them - probably about stuff that they’re stressed out about. Some will cry. They just love just holding the animals and it’s a nice release of emotion.” The opportunity has also allowed Moore to connect with students who were previously unengaged in their classes.

“It was a struggle to build a good relationship with two boys in particular before going to the animal shelter,” she said. “And then as soon as we went, I saw them holding a puppy and they were so excited. Now they’re animated and I have an ‘in’ to get to know them better.” Project 180 students are monitored in accordance with three indicators: behavior, attendance and grades. Time spent volunteering at the shelter has benefited the class in each of these areas. “You don’t know what kind of motivation someone needs in their personal life to do what they need to do. If they know they get to go to the shelter at least once a week, they’re here and there doing it.” Moore added. The teens often share their exciting experiences on Snapchat and Instagram, generating envy among other UHS students. Moore says that this has inspired other teachers to explore opportunities with the Franklin County Humane Society of Missouri as well. “Hopefully there are now less things that are placed on the shelter workers because the kids are able to do it and get that sense of fulfillment and professional development,” she noted. As a special project, Moore has led her classes in a donation drive for the shelter around the time of her birthday each spring. This year, items totaling $3,000 in value were donated by less than 70 students. “Seeing at-risk kids who have never really been involved in school bringing in hundreds of old blankets, comforters, towels, cleaning supplies, toys, etc... It’s just beautiful,” Moore said. “We’ve tried other community service activities in the past, like how we partnered with Key Club last year for a blood drive and it was pretty successful. But it was not anywhere near the success of this because, again, my kids don’t really gravitate towards other human beings.” Moore finds excitement and motivation in the connections and milestones that her students achieve, which makes her look forward to coming to school every day. Despite the adversities her students may face, she witnesses progress on a daily basis. “They’re now able to do the things that they don’t like – a lot of my kids had never written an essay before,” Moore explained. “I’m able to work with them on tasks like writing and see their accomplishments. When they say, ‘Oh my gosh, I did it’... it’s almost addicting. They’re

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