South Hills Academy Blog

Reading took on a whole new purpose when our South Hills Academy 5th graders spent the day connecting with shelter animals at the Inland Valley Humane Society. On May 15th, students participated in the Humane Heroes Reading Program—a heartwarming initiative hosted by the Montclair Chamber of Commerce in partnership with IVHS and S.P.C.A. This unique event blended community service and literacy, giving students the chance to bring comfort to animals through the simple act of reading aloud.

The event was thoughtfully organized, featuring giant boxes of dog biscuits and bags of catnip toys to encourage interaction. Our students eagerly took turns reading to the animals, offering comfort and companionship to those awaiting adoption. ASB students and Mateo helped lead the way, making sure every dog got a biscuit. Brendan donated a cozy blanket to two pups, who immediately snuggled in.
The visit gave students a meaningful way to show kindness while learning about empathy and community involvement. They left with a better understanding of what it means to care for others, whether two-legged or four.
We're proud of our 5th graders for embodying the values we hold dear at SHA. Their participation in the Humane Heroes Reading Program reflects our commitment to nurturing not just academic excellence, but also character and compassion. If you’d like to learn more about the organization they visited or explore ways to support local shelter animals, visit the Inland Valley Humane Society.