NORWAY HIGH SCHOOL welcomed a new four-legged friend to the staff in December. Henrietta June – Henri – spends her days supporting high school students. Henri is shown with NHS guidance counselor Erin Berndt and owner and English teacher Chris Berndt. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)
NORWAY – There is a new teacher mascot at the Norwegian High School and it brings a smile to the students who may have a “ruff” day.
High school students face many challenges every day – socially and academically. And for many, it takes an emotional toll on them, NHS Guidance Counselor Erin Berndt said.
Berndt believes in the benefits that a therapy dog can provide. And now he thinks he has the perfect candidate for the job.
Henrietta June, a nearly 3-year-old goldendoodle, joined the NHS staff in December. “Henry” it belongs to NHS/Norway-Vulcan Middle School English teacher Chris Berndt, his wife, Elina, and their 14-month-old daughter, Lincoln.
“For the past two years I have been trying to get an emotional support dog,” she said. “Knowing Henri’s temperament, I just thought it was a good fit.”
Norway High School welcomed a new four-legged friend to the staff in December. Student Jessa Rossler takes Henri for a walk. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)
However, they weren’t sure what to expect since Henri had no formal training other than being very good with commands.
Just before the Christmas break, the Berndts agreed to bring Henri on a trial basis, as they felt it would be beneficial for her as well.
Chris Berndt explained when they left for work, Henri just looked out the window, watching them drive away. “When I got home, I was in the same place, just waiting for someone to come back,” he said. “She was never eager to be left alone, we just felt like she watched the road for eight hours until one of us drove.”
He asked his mother if she was sure she didn’t want to bring her two dogs, but she insisted that Henri was the one who was more suitable.
And since day one, Henri has adapted to his role perfectly.
OWNERS CHRIS AND Elina Berndt said before being taken to the Norwegian High School, Henri would sit in the same spot and look out the window waiting for his family members to get home. (photo by Berndt)
“She just seems to have an understanding of ‘Why I’m here, and I have to offer myself.’ he said.
Four days a week, Henri is in the square “Mrs. B” office ready to provide that extra support to those who need it.
As the guidance counselor, Erin Berndt sees numerous students each day, on issues from grades to emotional struggles.
Sensing that they are stressed, Henri sits at his feet or even puts his head on his knees.
“She’s like a little cheerleader, she just wants the students to do their best and helps by being calm and supportive,” said the counselor. “Like she knows when someone needs a little extra love.”
Support dog Henri greets Norwegian High School students Tory Cooper, Dominique St. Juliana, Brianna Jones and Kimberly Proctor. (photo by Berndt)
High school principal Joe Tinti agreed that it’s obvious when students have these tough conversations with “Mrs. B,” they are comforted that Henri is here.
Freshman Jessa Rossler confirms that she, like her classmates, love having Henri at school.
“He is very welcoming when you come into the office and very friendly,” Rossler said. “He’s also fun to be around.”
Rossler added that you can also see almost instant relief when students see Henri. “You can just tell how happy they are,” she said.
A lot of times high schoolers don’t usually get that kind of care because they’re looked at as adults, Erin Berndt observed.
“But they really need it – we’ve seen the proof in the short time Henri has been with us at the school,” she said.
Teachers have expressed how much of a difference Henri has made.
“It was a welcome reception,” Tinti said.
Henri likes tagging along “Mrs. B” when she visits other high school classes.
“She’s on a leash until we go into the room. As soon as I let her go, she’ll go up and down the rows to greet everyone.” she said. “Honestly, the kids are more cooperative to me because she’s there — they do whatever I ask them to do.”
One of her favorite treats is blueberries brought by high school secretary Tami Slagle.
The Berndts said Henri isn’t bothered by the noises, either.
“She knows the bell calendar very well,” said Chris Berndt, noting once the last bell rings, she’ll be waiting at the door because she knows it’s time to go home.
Henri’s favorite place is to stand right at the door of the driver’s office. “She wants to make sure that ‘Mrs. B’ is still there, but he can see everything that happens in the rest of the office,” Chris Berndt said.
He noticed that he is the only person in the whole building that she will come with a little force. “If he hears Chris’s voice, he goes – he gets so excited,” Erin Berndt said.
Younger children from other areas of the school will rush at the end of the day now to see her.
Henri remembers everyone and has his favorites in the office.
At first, Chris was worried about how vocal Henri might be at school. But so far, he has only let out a breath “woof” a couple of times, to leave “Mrs. B” You know she left without her.
“Without the commands, he wonders why you left, but telling him” to stay” he knows,” Chris said, adding that he’s a little more vocal at home to let you know if he needs anything.
Chris Berndt said Henri was out of it “puppy stop” helped with the transition to school.
During the summer months, he was able to spend time in the driving office while Chris taught driver education. “She was familiar with the environment minus the children,” Erin Berndt said.
“We also take it everywhere we can,” he said. “I’ve never been around a dog that is so naturally social but not overbearing.”
Henri shows more energy at home than at school. “It’s amazing how she manages to come into a place like this full of people she’ll never meet, and be so calm and friendly,” he said. “She knows she has a role here and she does it really well.”
Henri came from a breeder in Champion and is hypoallergenic, as his mother is a poodle and his father was a goldendoodle.
Chris Berndt explained how he and his wife had originally chosen a different female from the litter and named her. “June.” Due to health complications, he was no longer available.
“We remembered another girl with a turquoise collar from our first visit, so we took her sight unseen.” he said. “God works in mysterious ways, I think.”
They had gone through a million names, before deciding on Henrietta June.
“We liked the name Henri for a dog – very easy to say and for her to hear. I also had a great-aunt called Henrietta who I never knew, but that was the genesis of the name.” he said.
“We kept June for her two names, because as much as we were sad, it was a blessing,” Chris added.
Going to work is now much better with Henri riding shotgun. “I’m sure she doesn’t think I need a job,” he joked “But his days are full – this gives him purpose.”
He also enjoys seeing the bond that Henri has built with his daughter, Lincoln.
One of the best parts of his day is watching Lincoln run to the entrance – but he’s not told “Hello to me, it’s to say hello to Henri and give a hug” he said.
This summer they will work on the tests so that Henri can receive his certification as an emotional support dog, since they plan to have him back in the fall.
Once her certification is complete, they will look to introduce her to middle and elementary schools, although they will have a teacher and an assistant who will also bring their dogs.
“The big reason the transition was so easy for Henri is his comfort level with Ms. Berndt,” Chris Berndt said. “Her relationship with Henri and the driving office environment is perfect for her.”
