For all of the good Daisy Mae provides at Iola Elementary School, she asks for little in return — aside from an occasional belly rub.
Daisy is a certified Goldendoodle therapy dog that roams the halls at the elementary school.
She was also the guest of honor at Monday’s USD 257 Board of Education meeting.
Daisy Mae, who turns 2 in March, received her certification at the end of the 2024-25 school year, noted K-2 counselor Melissa Aikins, Daisy Mae’s owner and handler.
The animal’s duties are both amazingly simple, and similarly effective: To spread joy, calm and comfort, in times of duress.
The training is to gird the animal for sudden noises, and general chaos common inside a crowded elementary school.
Sure enough, the animal remains serene, yet friendly, when surrounded by a gaggle of youngsters showering her with hugs, pets and other stimuli.
“She’s really helped in many situations,” Aikins said, recounting instances where students caught in an emotional moment with teachers or administrators almost always calmed down once Daisy Mae entered the room.
The students “may not even want to hear what I have to say,” Aikins said. “But if you bring in Daisay Mae, after a while they’re able to talk.”
Aikins recalled one instance where a student wouldn’t leave a room until Daisy Mae entered, giving him an opportunity to calm down. “That was all it took,” Aikins said.
Another issue was resolved simply by letting a student run with Daisy Mae inside the school’s fenced-in playground area.
Daisy Mae isn’t just for students. She’s also a popular draw for teachers looking to unwind during the school day.
“She really improves morale and positivity,” Aikins said. “She’s knocked it out of the park, and she doesn’t even know it.”
SAFE BASE director Angela Henry took Monday’s board meeting as an opportunity to recognize two volunteers for their ongoing support.
Staci Talkington, who also serves as USD 257’s food service director, volunteered her time to accompany a summer SAFE BASE camping excursion, and even helped as a driver, Henry said.
Iola police officer Brandon Andres also has become a popular fixture at SAFE BASE for its twice-a-week physical education courses, and for being a regular presence at other events.
