This March, J.P. McCaskey High School will welcome a new full-time member of its school community, one with four legs, a calm presence, and a big heart. NADO, short for Tornado, will officially begin work as McCaskey’s facility dog, offering an additional layer of support for students and staff alike.
NADO is part of a school-based facility dog program designed to promote wellness, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging within the school environment. Unlike visiting therapy dogs, a facility dog works on campus every day and becomes part of the fabric of the school. NADO will be owned by the school and integrated into daily routines, supporting students and staff across the building.
“This is our second training with the handlers, the teachers and staff members who have chosen to be involved in the program,” said Wendy Jordan of Dog Sense, who is leading the training process. “A facility dog works on a full-time basis in places like schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. They go to work every day, just like one of the staff.”
Facility dogs undergo extensive training using positive reinforcement techniques such as behavior shaping and lure training. From a young age, they are carefully acclimated to new environments and taught to remain calm amid the sounds and movement common in schools, bells ringing, crowded hallways, whistles, and unexpected noises. In addition to mastering basic obedience, facility dogs learn skills specific to therapeutic and educational settings.
“They’re trained to do things like cuddle with a student on cue or place their paws up in a way that allows a student with physical challenges to interact with them comfortably,” Jordan explained. “They learn different ways to support students in their daily lives.”
The presence of a facility dog can have meaningful benefits across a school community. Programs across the country have shown improvements in student attendance, emotional regulation, and overall school climate. For some students, time with a facility dog can serve as a powerful motivator within behavior-based programs. For others, especially those experiencing anxiety, stress, or difficulty with self-control, the simple act of petting a dog can help lower blood pressure, promote calm, and improve focus.
Facility dogs also support relationship-building. Their presence often creates natural moments of connection between students and staff, opening doors for conversation and engagement. In a large high school setting, that sense of grounding can be especially impactful.
At the end of each school day, NADO will go home with a designated caretaker from the McCaskey staff. While he will live as part of that staff member’s household, his role remains professional. “We encourage caretakers to think of the dog as a fuzzy, four-legged coworker who just happens to live with you,” Jordan shared.
NADO was bred by Phoenix Assistance Dogs, a local organization known for ethical and responsible training practices. Facility dogs may come from a variety of backgrounds, including reputable breeders or rescues, but are always sourced responsibly with careful attention to temperament, health, and suitability for school environments.
As McCaskey prepares for NADO’s arrival, anticipation is growing among staff and students. His introduction reflects the School District of Lancaster’s continued commitment to supporting the whole child and recognizing that learning is deeply connected to emotional well-being.
When NADO officially begins work this March, he will bring more than a wagging tail to McCaskey High School. He will bring calm to stressful moments, comfort to students who need it, and a steady, reassuring presence that reminds everyone that support can come in many forms.
