South Whittier’s Richard L. Graves Middle School celebrated some of their 8th graders for graduating from the TLC Program Tuesday, October 24.
The TLC Program is a five week after school program that allows at-risk students to work with TLC instructors training dogs to prepare them for adoption.
“During this process, the kids are also learning several interpersonal skills so they can cope with the stress and pressure of adolescent life,” Dr. Fraijo, principal of Graves Middle School stated.
Assistant principal, Jamie Martinez, introduced this program to Graves last year.
“Students respond very well to it. This is our 2nd time through the TLC program. We get positive feedback from TLC staff, students, and their parents,” Martinez said. “We hope to do another session in March 2018.”
Martinez heard about the program many years ago and wanted to bring it to South Whittier. After nearly five years on the wait list, South Whittier was finally able to bring the program to their district.
“I wanted to try it since I heard it really helps our students who are at risk; failing classes, behavior problems. It promotes a positive self esteem. It encourages leadership skills that these kids need.”
The graduation took place at the school’s cafeteria, featuring a demonstration, and students were given goody bags and a certificate of graduation.