One of the newest members of the staff at Baron Elementary School spends his days interacting with students, providing a calming presence in a judgment-free zone. He also might give the kids a few friendly licks or wag his tail to show his happiness.

Earlier this school year, the school introduced Sputnik, a Goldendoodle facility dog.

"Other schools in our district have facility dogs, and we used to have one, but the staff member in charge left," said Allison Gehman, a fourth-grade teacher who is Sputnik's handler. "Dr. Marrolli, our principal, and Dr. Flannery, our assistant superintendent, worked with Phoenix Assistance Dogs out of Lititz."

Kim Marrolli recalled meeting Sputnik and feeling an instant connection.

"He's related to one of the other facility dogs in the district that we've had success with," she said.

When a teacher was sought to handle Sputnik, Gehman volunteered. Although Sputnik goes home with Gehman every night, a team of secondary handlers from the school staff spends time with him during the school day.

"We live in Manheim, and I thought this would be a neat way to have him with me at sporting events, musicals, plays, more opportunities than just here at school," Gehman said of her family's decision to house Sputnik. "We thought it was a neat way to give to the community."

With four children, two in high school and two in middle school, Gehman bringing Sputnik into the household has been a true family affair.

"He goes to the grocery store with us, to basketball games and sports practice," Gehman said, noting that while the family has had dogs before, they had never taken on a project quite like this. "It's been really fun doing this as a family. I had seen other people training dogs, and it was always something that interested me."

Sputnik began to attend school at the end of January. He visits various classrooms, hangs out with the office staff and serves as a warm and fuzzy - literally - presence for the staff and students.

Since Sputnik arrived, attendance has skyrocketed, Gehman said.

"In the middle part of the year, we were having a couple of kids who were having a hard time coming into school," she explained. "Their family would say Sputnik was the reason their child got out of the car in the parking lot and came into the building."

Marrolli said the pup has also proven to be motivation for students to earn monthly rewards for good behavior.

"One of the prizes is to take a walk with Sputnik, and we have hundreds of tickets in that prize bucket each month," she stated. "It's our most popular prize."

Sputnik loves the attention he receives from students, who enjoy brushing him and petting him.

"For many kids who can't have a dog at home, this is their dog," Gehman said.

Students also spend time reading to Sputnik, who lends a supportive furry ear.

Sputnik was purchased through district funds, with the school's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) covering the costs of treats, grooming and other necessities.

"We have a very generous PTO that helps with day-to-day needs," Gehman said.

Overall, "Sputty," as the kids and staff members call him, has had a positive effect on the school environment, Marrolli said.

"He has helped to create a positive school community, where kids want to come to school," she said, noting that kids who consistently demonstrate the values of respect, responsibility and safety get to spend time with the dog.

Gehman said an outcome she didn't expect from Sputnik's presence has been a growing sense of community both inside and outside the school walls.

"When people meet him, it opens the door to conversations," she said. "He can sense when someone is having a rough day; he will go and sit beside their desk. Having him in public, he can seem to feel people's emotions and respond. I've been amazed by the way he can bring people together."