Students at Charles Campagne Elementary School in Bethpage are getting academic and emotional support from an unusual but very popular member of the school community: Oakley, the therapy dog.

Oakley, the 3-year-old fox red lab, visits the school once or twice a week with school psychologist Maureen Conklin, offering comfort to students who may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a moment to reset. After becoming an empty nester in 2022, Conklin got Oakley with the intention of training her to become a therapy dog. Conklin says Oakley’s presence helps children open up in ways that feel natural and safe.

“When Oakley comes and sits with them, they pet her and then all of a sudden they just open up,” she said. “It’s just a non‑threatening way for students to speak to what’s bothering them.”

For many students, that calming effect makes a real difference in their day. Fifth grader Vincenzo LaNeve says Oakley helps him refocus when he’s having a tough moment. “Sometimes I get a little frustrated and I am not in the mood to work, so I go to Oakley and she gets me calmer and I get back to work,” he said.

Oakley’s impact goes beyond emotional support. Principal Julianne Inghilterra says the dog is also helping strengthen academics through a unique pen pal program. Students are writing letters to therapy dogs at schools across the United States and even one in the United Kingdom.

During class on Wednesday, fifth grade students were excitedly writing to “Miss Bailey,” a therapy dog from Oregon. The students' letters include questions about the other dogs’ personalities, favorite foods, and toys, along with introductions to Oakley herself. One student wrote, “I have a therapy school dog named Oakley. She loves giving hugs and loves treats.”

Fifth grade teacher Georgia Paraskakis says the program has transformed writing lessons into something students genuinely look forward to. “They are absolutely enamored when we get to write letters to different schools,” she said. “And the best part of all? We get to work on our writing when we do it. It’s real‑life writing that they really enjoy doing.”

According to the Bethpage Union Free School District, the pen pal initiative has boosted students’ engagement, strengthened their letter‑writing skills, and encouraged pride in their work - all while helping them build friendships near and far.

Students say having Oakley in the classroom makes the environment feel more welcoming.

“It’s very nice because some kids need to relieve stress,” one student shared.

Conklin says that effect is clear every time Oakley walks into a room. “The students are so engaged, they’re so on task and ready to learn, having their furry friends there,” she said.

Whether she’s offering a calming presence or inspiring a nationwide writing project, Oakley has become an important part of daily life at Charles Campagne Elementary - one wagging tail at a time.