Woof, woof! Focused on writing your history research paper, you keep hearing a familiar noise in the library. Barking? You look up and see your favorite senior, Tommy Troso, and his dog Cooper wagging his tail as they walk toward you.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the class of 2024 successfully pulled off their senior prank. The seniors brought their pets to school, and their pets attended classes alongside their owners. Some students brought pets that could fit inside their backpacks and go unnoticed, while others brought larger pets, such as full-grown dogs.
Although this senior prank may seem harmless in comparison to recent notorious pranks at other schools, it still violates many regulations and proposes health-related conflicts.
In 2011, Hackley banned senior pranks, along with other Hackley traditions. Prior to the ban, pranks included sleepovers along the Raymond corridor, covering the Quad with plastic forks, and even boarding up the sophomore bubble with plastic wrapping.
Although there is nothing specific in the Upper School Handbook about bringing dogs to school, it is in the Employee Handbook and state laws prohibit it. According to the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals), “Federal legislation defines a variety of animals that could accompany students, but only those trained to perform a specific disability-related task are considered service animals.” While this rule is generally directed at public schools, there are still universal risks of bringing pets to school.
The number one concern with bringing pets to school such as cats or dogs is allergies and health-related issues. Many students at Hackley have allergies to dog hair, with varying levels of severity. For this reason, Upper School Director Andy King asked students to go outside, leave their dogs at home, or ask someone to come get their dogs. Mr. King’s worries were mainly the health of students and pet safety as he did not want students leaving their pets in their cars or indoors. As a pet lover, Mr. King made sure to ask students if they had water for their dogs since it was such a hot day.
While some students did leave their dogs at home, others kept their furry friends alongside them throughout the school day, as they attended classes. Students even “babysat” each other’s dogs when one of their peers had a test or an important class during the same time they had a free period.
Most students found this “prank” harmless and lighthearted.
“I didn’t even realize it was a prank,” said junior Lucia Butterfield, “I thought it was just ‘Bring Your Dog To School Day.’ It was so cute!”
