We are reminding parents/guardians NOT to bring dogs onto school property. We realize that combining a dog walk with your child's trip to and from school is convenient and environmentally responsible.  Although these pets are usually playful and harmless, the presence of dogs on the school grounds represents a potential health and safety issue for several reasons.

• their presence strikes fear in some children
• a number of children have allergies
• we have no way to monitor any individual dog's training or behaviour and even the tamest pet may react unexpectedly when surrounded by curious children or when inadvertently startled
• although most owners pick up after their dog, we often find dog waste on school property in areas where children play

Millwood Elementary thanks you for helping us to maintain a safe environment by not bringing your dog onto school property.  As a suggestion, you could make arrangements with your child(ren) to meet you on the sidewalk if you are walking the dog to and from the school.

As a general rule, pets are not allowed in the school building as a number of students have allergies to various animals and because even the tamest pet may react unexpectedly when surrounded by curious children or when inadvertently startled.  Pets also disrupt regular routines.