The Martha's Vineyard Times

Buster gives his paw of approval to Tisbury student readers

June 6, 2012

Photo courtesy of Whitney Burke

Third-grader Bella Pereira had a captive audience in Buster. [More Photos]

Edgartown K-9 officer Jeff Trudel and his partner Buster, a black Lab, visited the Tisbury School last Thursday for a visit with 12 of the school's top readers.

Natalie Krauthamer, the school's reading coordinator, invited the pair to help cap off a month-long reading incentive program and help hand out frozen "Buster Bar" treats, courtesy of the Dairy Queen, to nine students, the three top readers from the second, third, and fourth grades. Each student had to complete a certain amount of reading outside of school to qualify for the reward.

"It is difficult to sustain motivation for school responsibilities this time of year, so it is always appreciated when the community can help us keep kids going until the final bell rings," Whitney Burke, school media specialist, said. "Buster gave his paw of approval to student readers and their book choices, as well as lots of kisses and tail wags."

This is the second visit Officer Trudel and Buster have made to the Tisbury School to promote the importance of reading, according to Ms. Burke.