WMS Sixth Graders Promote Pet Adoptions with The Bond Between
WMS Sixth Graders Promote Pet Adoptions with The Bond Between
Lorrie Ham
For the second consecutive year, Westonka Middle School recently hosted a heart-warming visit from some special four-legged friends. Through a partnership with The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds), WHS sixth graders worked on developing their persuasive writing skills by creating stories about the animals who needed a “forever” home.
The Bond Between is a nonprofit organization in Minnetonka dedicated to helping animals find homes. They currently have hundreds of dogs and cats being fostered throughout Minnesota.
Carrie Openshaw, director of Community Engagement at The Bond Between, provided the students with Kennel Cards, which included detailed bios of animals that had been available for adoption the longest, some for over a year. The students were given the choice of writing about either a dog or a cat, using the animal’s bio to inspire their writing. Kids were asked to think creatively and think outside the box as their task was to highlight the animals’ best qualities and persuade readers to consider adopting them.
The students were deeply engaged in the assignment and felt a strong connection to the animals, making them passionate about helping these pets find homes.
“I like how you get to do something that's actually going to help dogs in real life - like what we did really made a difference,” said sixth grader Carver Charlson. “It makes writing way more fun.”
As a reward for their hard work, The Bond Between hosted a Puppy Party at WHS on March 6, bringing in a litter of five collie puppies, who are all available for adoption. Students with less than five missing assignments were able to hold, play with, and snuggle the puppies during morning meeting. It was hard to tell who enjoyed the day more – the furry friends who received pets and hugs, or the kids who received adorable snuggles and slobbery kisses.
“I have never seen our sixth graders more excited to write!” said language arts teacher Bailey Duda. “This project makes a huge difference in the lives of those animals, and the students took their job very seriously.”
“We are so grateful for this collaboration, and our sixth graders are thrilled to be a part of it!” said Principal Christy Zachow.
For more information about The Bond Between, please visit their website.