November 10, 2011 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

WHAT: Students and staff say goodbye to Ramblin’ Rose 
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 11 at 9:30 a.m.    
WHERE:  Columbine Hills Elementary, 6005 W. Canyon Ave., Littleton, 80128 

FOUR-LEGGED READING PARTNER RETIRES  
Reading out loud for an elementary student can be a scary proposition, but one school figured out a way to get kids begging to read – pair them with a four-legged, silent reading partner.

Ramblin’ Rose the black Labrador service dog has worked with students at Columbine Hills Elementary for 10 years and she hangs on students’ every word.  

School staff found that children were excited and eager to read with Ramblin’.  “She never judged them for making mistakes,” said owner and principal’s secretary Cherrelyn Schulte.  “Her novelty and love encouraged students to read out loud, some students would even try books that weren’t in their reading level just to impress her.”

Ramblin’ is now 11 years old and having some health issues, Schulte decided it was time for her to retire.  The entire student body will be able to say good-bye, present good-bye cards, sign a scrapbook and take memory pictures with Ramblin’.

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