Sargent Elementary supports SPCA

Hyde Park - Students at Beacon’s Sargent Elementary School held a drive for the Dutchess County SPCA. The drive was coordinated by Matthew Carpenter, a third grade teacher at the school. More than 300 students participated. The two-week drive was capped by presentations from DCSPCA Humane Law Enforcement volunteer Bill Reilly and shelter volunteer Arlene Barissi. Ms. Barissi introduced the students to Mr. Sparky, a therapy dog. Mr. Reilly taught the kindergarten through fifth grade students what pets need from the humans in their lives.

Kindergarten classes worked with third graders to make cat toys. The third grade classes raised $717.00 in cash donations through a read-a-thon. Students at the school collected hundreds of pounds of pet food, supplies, and blankets for the shelter.