LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The close of an academic year can bring a great deal of feelings. Happiness for the summer season ahead, and unhappiness to leave something you like.
For one Lincoln principal, it’s a sensation she understands all too well and this upcoming last day of school will be her last day for good.
Dr. Wendy Badje and Reggie are a traditional package in the halls of Rousseau Elementary School.
Dr. Badje has 4 years of experience in Nebraska schools under her belt, and Reggie has 11 years under his treatment dog vest.
Rousseau is their last post, the set will retire after this academic year ends.
“Sometimes people think change is kind of scary but to me, change has always been really good,” Dr. Badje said. “And I’ve always liked the last place I’ve been the most and so change has been good for me and but I really love my 11 years here at Rousseau.”
Dr. Badje hung around as an athletics and third-grade instructor prior to operating in administration.
“I was with a principal who really changed me as a teacher,” Dr. Badje said. “And so then I decided that’s what I want to do. I want to be a principal because I impact all the teachers who then impact all the kids.”
When she began as principal, Reggie began too.
He’s a rescue dog that was initially trained to be a service dog however didn’t like to bring, so his fitness instructors transitioned him to Edu-Pup, a program that trains dogs for schools.
Now, Reggie has simply one job, to be enjoyed by trainees.
“When you get new students throughout the school year, and maybe they’re a little bit nervous coming to a new school, they see Reggie. And that just is a bond that, oh my gosh, you have a dog here at school. And so it just makes them want to come to Rousseau.”
So May 25th, the last day for Dr. Badje and Reggie will be at school with trainees, will be sad however it will likewise be the start of something amazing and brand-new for the duo.
Dr. Badje prepares to get some brand-new pastimes like golf, and pickleball, and to spend more time with her grandchildren.
As for Reggie, it’s a summer season of adjusting.
“Summers are a little bit hard for him because he doesn’t get all the attention,” Dr. Badje. “So I told some of the staff we might have to come and visit when he needs his pets from kids and staff.”
Dr. Badje has actually taught in Omaha, Elmwood, Malcolm, and Lincoln.
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