(Louisville, Ky.) On July 20, the Millan Foundation attended the Victory Over Violence 2011 National Conference in Louisville, Ky. The conference brought together educators, administrators and various educational organizations together for the two-day event to discuss various educational programs and initiatives, including the Millan Foundations own Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum.

With the theme “Victory Over Violence,” the conference focused on the ever-rising issue of youth bullying and violence within the school system. Those in attendance discussed methods of preventing youth-related violence and attended workshops on how the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum has helped improve the social interaction and communication within the classroom environment.

Many teachers and administrators shared their personal experiences with the program. Stephanie Mullins, the 2nd grade teacher at Ponderosa Elementary in Catlettsburg, KY recalled how the program had significantly helped one of her students overcome an aggression issue. “He didn’t know how to communicate with other students, he’d act out by kicking things because he would feel frustrated or upset but didn’t know how to say it,” said Stephanie. “He was playing on the floor one day and another little boy came up and stole his toy. He looked up and said ‘Hey! You broke my feelings!.’ I started crying right there. He never could voice his feelings before. Mutt-i-grees gave him his voice.”

Allegra Pickett, Manager of the Millan Foundation, also addressed the audience about the ongoing development of the curriculum, highlighting the rapid expansion of the program. “Educators are actually already asking about the next phase of the Curriculum at the high school level and we are reassuring them that it won’t be long before we introduce curriculum as well!” she said.

And as the curriculum heads into its next stage of development, many educators who are not currently using the program are interested in implementing it in their own schools.

“You feel like every problem child is in the after school program,” said Marianna Romero, Director of McCracken County Public Schools Friends and Family Resource Center. “I’ve been searching and searching for something that addresses social-emotional learning. When I heard about this program I finally found the hope I was looking for. I really believe this is the key.”

The audience was also treated to a final performance of “Walkin’ the Dog” by The Ponderosa Elementary Mutt-i-grees Dance Group. The dance was choreographed as a way to incorporate exercise and school-wide involvement in Mutt-i-grees, in addition to a creative outlet for some arts and crafts work. The North Shore Animal League of America, a supporter of the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum, also brought their adoption transport unit to showcase some of the many adoptable dogs they have available.

Although Cesar was unable to attend due to his filming in Spain, he felt quite passionate about sending a message to those in attendance. . “I truly believe that the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum can empower children and help raise their self-esteem so that they can communicate better with their classmates, family and friends,” Cesar said. “I honestly believe that insecurity and aggression are symptoms of society, but with the help of parents, teachers and other adults, we can start creating change from the beginning stages and influence the next generations to come.”

Learn more about the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum here