On Thursday, September 25th, Head of School Mr. Ron Kim held two meetings with teachers who regularly bring their dogs to school and class with them, according to Science Teacher Ms. Alison Valentine. The meeting introduced a stricter implementation of a long-standing policy regarding pets; no more dogs in classrooms.
While the Bishop’s community has grown accustomed to seeing teachers’ dogs during their classes, according to Director of People and Culture Ms. Susan Khanna, “The School’s past and current policy does not allow dogs in classrooms.”
An increased emphasis on this policy will mean that some teachers, like those in the Science Center, can keep their dogs in supply rooms and offices — but other teachers without office spaces cannot bring their dogs to school and will have to find alternative solutions starting in January.
Assistant Head of School for Adolescent Learning & Development Ms. Janice Murabayashi confirmed that both she and other administrators have received complaints — some regarding dog allergies — about the number of dogs on campus and the lack of enforcement of the dog policy from members of the Bishop’s community.
The Bishop’s Health Office said, “There were a few students with dog allergies, from severe ones to just pet dander allergies.” They added, “Just one student is enough” for dogs’ presence on campus to be a major concern.
Some teachers see merit in a stricter implementation of the policy. Ms. Valentine, for instance, acknowledged that while most students respond excitedly to her dog, some may not and are too nervous to tell her. “If you’re afraid of dogs, but your teacher has a dog in their classroom, it may be a really awkward thing to say, ‘hey, I’m afraid of dogs,’” she said. She said she is “aware of the power dynamic that exists between me, the authority holder,” and “the students.”
Ms. Murabayashi, a dog owner with an office, said, “There are probably people with phobias or other concerns who avoid me altogether, or don’t say anything and suffer in silence, and I would never know. I feel bad about that.” Enforcing the policy would “prevent people from having the onus on them to speak up,” she explained.
When asking students about their preferences towards dogs on campus, Julia Schnabl (‘28) mentioned she is not the biggest fan of dogs on campus. “I don’t prefer having dogs in classrooms,” she said. “It stems from a bit of childhood trauma, as my brother got attacked by dogs multiple times.”
Other students appreciate the presence of dogs in their classes. Julia Pawl (‘27) stated, “I have two dogs at home, and they’re the light of my life. I think taking them out of classrooms would be really unfortunate because they’re really important for students’ well-being.”
English Teacher Ms. Amy Allen, who brings her dog Birdie to campus, strongly believes that dogs are beneficial to a student’s environment. She said, “Students are in their brains all day. Dogs are the perfect counterbalance to the culture of achievement at Bishop’s. They help students get in touch with their feeling side.” Luming Wang (‘27) agrees, saying, “I would feel more relaxed with a dog in a classroom than in one without a dog.”
Madison Bell (‘28) agreed, saying, “I think [having dogs] definitely takes stress away from the actual class you’re in, and helps me to calm down, because a lot of the time, it can be really stressful.” She added that having dogs in classrooms may also motivate students to go to classes. “I definitely want to go to my Biblical Literature classes more with Dr. Ballard, because Charlie, her dog, is always in there, and I’m always so excited to see him,” she said.
Chair of Religion & Ethics and Biblical Literature Teacher Dr. Regina Ballard recalled teaching a student with many learning differences in a summer school class. “The student didn’t participate much in class. Super smart kid, but they were really uncomfortable,” she said. Her dog, Charlie, sat with the student every day during class for three weeks. At the end of the program, the student thanked Dr. Ballard for bringing Charlie, who made him feel “comfortable, safe, and able to feel like a part of the class because he felt like he had a friend with him every day,” said Dr. Ballard. “It warmed my heart, and it’s what I love to hear.”
(Regina Ballard)
Dogs may serve as emotional support for students, but bringing their dogs to school also makes teachers’ lives easier. Students aren’t the only ones commuting to school each day — teachers, too, come from all over the city. With dogs no longer allowed to stay in classrooms, teachers’ daily routines will likely change. They may have to leave them at home, hire dog sitters, or be constantly worried about rushing home to manage their schedules. Ms. Valentine, who joined Bishop’s this year, stated, “I chose a longer commute time because I can feel comfortable being away from home for longer, as I can bring my dog with me.” Dr. Ballard similarly said bringing Charlie to school ensured she didn’t “have to run home during the school day.” Now, that may have to change.
It’s hard to let someone you don’t know take care of your dog, and some may avoid hiring someone they “might not know as well to come while [they’re] away,” Dr. Ballard explained. It’s not only a new relationship for the sitter and owner, but for the dog as well.
Dog sitters aren’t cheap. “It’s definitely going to be a financial burden to pay for [Zeus] to go to daycare, but I also chose to have a dog,” Ms. Norrgard said. For dogs like Zeus, staying alone, locked up in the science office, would be too hard for him to manage. Unless their dog can be home alone, teachers’ remaining choices fall between hiring a dog sitter or doggy daycare. Both of these options are an added expense that teachers may have to pay.
There may be other changes to look out for as this controversial matter continues to develop. Until January, many different and passionate opinions will circulate on campus. And come January, we’ll see what the phrase “the dog days are over” really means.
