PAWS distributes Paw Prints to every fourth grade student in the Seattle, Shoreline, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and McCleary school districts, among others. It s a big undertaking, because each district has their own set of rules for distribution of materials to students. It took Anderson weeks to secure the proper permissions for the first issue, eventually distributing about 25,000 copies. Holly s hard work paid off, says her supervisor, Director of Advocacy and Outreach Richard Huffman. The feedback from parents, PAWS members, and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.
People seem to find it really valuable.
And of course, the kids really love it. Huffman and Anderson are conscious of the necessary sensitivity when working with children. With that in mind, Anderson formed the PAWS Humane Education Advisory Committee to advise her. Comprised of retired school teachers, present school employees and PAWS staff, the committee works with Anderson to oversee, advise and provide feedback on her workshops in the schools as well as the content in Paw Prints. We wanted to make sure that PAWS was being as appropriate and sensitive as possible with all of the material that we present to school children, says Huffman.