Not far-fetched: Comfort dog awards su-paw-star students
Norman has captured the hearts of the students he serves in his first year at the school. Photos by Brandy Muz
Norman get belly rubs from his handler and school resource officer Jonathan Tracy
Students who win the Norman Award are presented with a certificate and a stuffed animal version of Norman, a Labrador retriever. Source: Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55
The Norman Board in the front entrance of Sippican School.
Just recently Norman won a talent show going up against the staff of Sippican School
Officer Tracy gives Norman the head scratches he loves.
Norman has captured the hearts of the students he serves in his first year at the school. Photos by Brandy Muz
Norman get belly rubs from his handler and school resource officer Jonathan Tracy
Students who win the Norman Award are presented with a certificate and a stuffed animal version of Norman, a Labrador retriever. Source: Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55
The Norman Board in the front entrance of Sippican School.
Just recently Norman won a talent show going up against the staff of Sippican School
Officer Tracy gives Norman the head scratches he loves.
MARION — Who has four legs, one tail and his own set of awards at Sippican Elementary? Norman does!
Although, Norman isn’t the one choosing the recipients.
Students are nominated each month by teachers for the recently introduced Norman Award when they excel in academics, are respectful, show responsibility, kindness and leadership.
New winners of the Norman Award are added to the "Norman Board" on display in the main lobby. Students who are nominated are then recognized at an all-school meeting, presented with a Norman stuffed animal and a certificate.
Sippican School Principal Lynn Dessert congratulated the 14 students who have received the Norman Award so far.
"I look forward to continuing to issue more Norman Awards and adding more names to the Norman Board,” she said. “Thank you to Norman and our police partners for helping to create these special moments of recognition for our students."
Norman is more than his award, however. When he’s not winning talent shows, waiting for treats or getting pets from children — Norman has a job to do.
Norman joined Sippican Elementary on Friday, June 7, 2024 from the Plymouth County Comfort Dogs Program. He is tasked with providing comfort to children and staff who have experienced trauma. And although he lends a paw to de-escalate stressful situations — he’s become a school favorite.
School Resource Officer Jonathan Tracy is Norman’s handler and assists in teaching empathy to students while also building stronger bonds between students and police.
"Norman and I are happy to be able to recognize the students who go above and beyond with their behavior and school expectations," said Officer Tracy. "We are so proud of all the students who have earned the award so far this year, and we look forward to presenting more awards to the students who have been 'Norminated.'"
Superintendent Michael Nelson highlighted how wonderful it has been to reward students for doing their best. He said Norman and Tracy have made a positive impact within the school.
“To have such a strong and helpful partnership with our police department has been tremendous. The faculty, staff members and students absolutely love Norman, Officer Tracy and the Norman Award,” Nelson said.
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