The RedRover Readers program helps students develop empathy for people and animals
Sacramento, CA (August 25, 2015) – RedRover©, a national nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Sacramento, California, is bringing the RedRover Readers professional development training to Stockton, California, in partnership with the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD)/City of Stockton Humane Education Alliance.
RedRover Readers is a social and emotional learning program that helps children develop positive relationship skills through stories and discussion. Trained RedRover Readers Educators read humane-themed books and lead discussions with strategic questions to help children develop critical thinking skills and empathy.
On Saturday, September 19, RedRover will provide the private training to after-school educators from 10 schools. RedRover Readers will start off curriculum for the school year, followed by other related humane programs. The Stockton Unified School District (SUSD)/City of Stockton Humane Education Alliance plans to grow the humane education program each year, with a goal to offer it to all of their schools over the next few years.
Phillip Zimmerman, the Director of Stockton Animal Services has stated that, “Humane education is one of the critical components for the continued improvement of the lives of animals and people in our community.”
“The partnership with SUSD/City of Stockton Humane Education Alliance is critical to helping the people and animals of Stockton,” says Nicole Forsyth, RedRover President and CEO. “Many people who grow up abusing animals cause violence to people as well. By helping the young people of Stockton develop empathy for both humans and animals, we can create a more compassionate city for the future, and hopefully prevent many cases of abuse and neglect.”
Interim Superintendant of SUSD schools Julie Penn shares these perspectives, and is pleased to offer this new initiative as part of the after-school program.
RedRover has helped develop the SUSD/City of Stockton Humane Education Alliance in collaboration with the Stockton Unified School District, humane education experts from Stockton Animal Services, San Francisco SPCA, and the Animal Protection League in Stockton.
TRAINING INFORMATION: Saturday, September 19, 2015
8:30 a.m
1503 St. Mark’s Plaza
Stockton, CA 95207
SUSD Professional Development Center (PDC)
The RedRover Readers workshop is for pre-registered Stockton educators only. Media is invited to cover the training and Stockton’s humane education efforts.
About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Learn more at RedRover.org.
About Stockton Animal Services
Stockton Animal Services serves the City of Stockton and San Joaquin County residents and is a division of the Stockton Police Department. Visit their website at stocktongov.com/animals
Media contact
Danielle Gates
Communications Coordinator
dgates@RedRover.org
916.429.2457 ext. 316
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