Kittatinny teachers put animal welfare grant to use

Newton - Forty seventh grade students at Kittatinny Regional recently shared their knowledge about pet care with over 60 second-graders at McKeown School. “Taking Care of Your Community by Taking Care of Your Pets” was the theme of a $1000 grant awarded to Kittatinny teachers Betty Lawless and Kathy Pomerantz by the N.J. Veterinary Medical Association. The grant allowed the teachers to incorporate this service learning activity into their literature reading curriculum. Guest speakers from Newton Veterinary Hospital and the canine corps of the N.J. State Troopers helped students understand the importance of proper pet care and training. Students conducted research and prepared teaching materials which they shared with the second-grade students. “Pets aren’t toys,” said Dr. Kim Taylor, president of the statewide veterinary organization. “Without proper nutrition, shelter and health care, they will not thrive physically. For most, without proper training, attention and affection, they will not thrive socially. When humans neglect these responsibilities the animal suffers.” The N.J. Veterinary Medical Association introduces students to the things they should know about animals and how to care for them. By putting this curriculum in the hands of creative teachers, the group hopes to accomplish its goal of proper care for animals. School budgets are tight, so the state veterinary group created the grant program to allow teachers to teach the course without having to worry about funding. Lawless and Pomerantz are among 19 teachers across the state to receive a grant from the group this school year. Information on the program is available at njvma.org.