Vanderbilt Charter Academy Welcomes a New Four-Legged Friend named Jasper

There’s a new face, and four new paws walking the halls of Vanderbilt Charter Academy.

During a school-wide Moral Focus™ assembly for September’s virtue of wisdom, students were introduced to Jasper, Vanderbilt’s new facility dog. Jasper will become part of the school community, providing students with a calming presence and another source of support throughout their school day.

Executive Principal Jeff Groggel introduced Jasper and his handler, social worker Maggie Guzman, along with language arts teacher Carrie Pifer, whom Jasper lives with when he’s not at school. Groggel explained how specially trained facility dogs can support emotional well-being, build confidence, ease anxiety, and help students feel more connected at school.

Students are already benefitting from Jasper’s presence, whether it’s in the hallway or in the classroom.

“He’s so soft!”

“He’s my friend.”

“He helps me feel happy.”

Those are just a few of the comments from students as they interacted with Jasper during story time.

Jasper’s arrival was made possible through a partnership with Priority Health and Canines for Change. Priority Health’s Priority Pups® program sponsors trained facility dogs for select Michigan schools.

Canines for Change provides facility dogs in educational settings. They trained Jasper throughout his first year and provided training for Mrs. Guzman and school leadership to help make sure Jasper is successful in his new role.

Funding for Jasper was made possible by Vanderbilt’s authorizer Grand Valley State University.

“We are very grateful for this partnership,” Groggel said.

For Principal Groggel, Jasper’s presence is a natural extension of the school’s commitment to developing both strong students and strong character.

“At Vanderbilt, our mission is to build success on both academics and character. By providing a comforting, grounding presence, Jasper will help students practice everyday virtues like wisdom, respect, self-control, and compassion as they navigate their school days.”

And Jasper has already been assigned his first task, encouraging students to attend school every day during the Paws for Peers challenge. Every student who has perfect attendance at the end of the five-week challenge gets a stuffed keychain for their backpack.

“We look forward to seeing how this wonderful addition strengthens our commitment to nurturing thoughtful, resilient, and responsible individuals.,” Groggel said.

And judging by his introduction, Jasper is already right at home at Vanderbilt.