After learning and researching information related to H.O.P.E. (Help Overcome Pet Euthanasia/Helping Our Pets Everyday), students at Spanish Lake Elementary realized the importance of H.O.P.E. for humanity towards animals.
They decided to become a part of the endeavor to educate others in helping and caring for animals and to gather needed items to assist with care for animals in shelters.
Dr. Martin Karp, District 3 member of the Miami-Dade County School Board, endorses H.O.P.E. along with the school board. He sees this as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals and he encourages students to come up with a plan to these needy animals. He is hopeful this “may ultimately lead to a decrease in shelter intakes and an increase in pet adoptions.”
Fifth grade students formed a board along with two fifth grade teacher advisors, Sharon Wallen and Jennifer Meneses, in order to plan exactly what they could do to help and make this project a school-wide one. Once they had a plan, the board met with SLE principal, Jacqueline Arias-Gonzalez, for final approval and implementation.
The goal of SLE students is to make sure as many pets as possible get the love and care they deserve and need. SLE students are committed to provide many items organizations need in order to better care for animals that have been abandoned and ultimately end up in a shelter and to also educate others in pet care.