White River Humane Society Education

Humane Education

In the summer of 2006, the WRHS was given a grant to provide humane education to the community and the school children it serves. Through humane education, learners of all ages have the opportunity to learn about the WRHS, pet care, pet responsibility, and the environment. Instructional presentations are formulated based on the age of the students/organization and the specific needs/requests of the homeroom instructor. Custom presentations can include but are not limited to stories, videos, educational games, sing alongs, and a question/answer segment. If you would like to invite humane education into your classroom or would like to have a presentation for your organization, please contact the shelter for more information.

Humane educator displays passion for animals. Kindergarten class enjoys kitten's visit.

By LEONARD THORNTON leonard@tmnews.com
December 19, 2007

NEEDMORE — Kimberly Mitcheff, vice president and educator for the White River Humane Society, said her love of animals and background in education is the reason she enjoys teaching children about pets.

Mitcheff, who’s also a substitute teacher for the North Lawrence Community Schools, visited Melissa Kissinger’s afternoon kindergarten class at Needmore Elementary School on Tuesday. And she brought along a kitten named Cagny.

Her goal: To educate students about animal care, and about what happens to an animal when it’s brought to a shelter. Mitcheff contacts teachers at area schools to set up visits. And with the teacher’s help, she develops a curriculum for the class.

“I wanted to be a part of the community and do something that is rewarding,” Mitcheff said. “Teaching children about what happens when animals are brought to the shelter helps them understand the process.”

Kissinger and her 14 students are used to pets, with many having pets at home. A rabbit named Libby also lives in the classroom.

Kissinger, a WRHS board member, also volunteers and goes to Pet Smart in Bloomington on Tuesdays to clean the kennels and help with adoption of cats taken there from the shelter.

“Listen to her purring,” Kissinger said, as Cagny the kitten was petted by the students. “That means she is happy.”

About her classroom visits, Mitcheff explained, “it depends on the age of the students on how I present the material.” She read a story to Kissinger’s class. “Sometimes I use videos with the older children.”

Mitcheff was a teacher in Chicago, but moved here about two years ago when her husband got a job in Bloomington. They decided to live in Bedford.

“I really have a strong passion for animals,” said Mitcheff, who owns two dogs, “and I really enjoy talking to boys and girls about how to care for their pets. Due to my love of animals and background in education, I decided to join the humane society.”

Mitcheff said teaching kids at an early age about caring for their pets helps them to have respect for animals. She also explained the purpose of the shelter.

“One of the main purposes of the shelter is to take care of the pets while trying to reunite them with their owner,” Mitcheff said. “We also prepare those who don’t have owners to be placed for adoption.”

For more information on the education in the classroom program or how to adopt a pet, call 279-1995 or 279-2457.

Times-Mail Staff Writer Leonard Thornton welcomes comments at 277-7263 or by e-mail at leonard@tmnews.com.

White River Humane Society of LAWRENCE cOUNTY IN bEDFORD iNDIANA A Pro-Life Shelter Welcome to our new WEbsite

Humane Education

Humane educator displays passion for animals. Kindergarten class enjoys kitten's visit.

White River Humane Society
of LAWRENCE cOUNTY IN bEDFORD iNDIANA
A Pro-Life Shelter

Welcome to our new WEbsite