Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students)
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An innovative program focusing on safety and education in schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures for a two-fold purpose: (1) to provide an unobtrusive fathering presence, and (2) to provide a positive and active role-model for students at the school. Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and uncles are asked to spend at least one day at their student’s school volunteering. They will support the school through monitoring the school property, working one-on-one or in small groups, reading, flashcards, homework, sports referees, listening ears, or for whatever needs to be done to plant seeds of success in the lives of the students. They can actively engage with not only their student(s) but the entire student body. On the day of their participation, Watch DOGS participate in a short orientation with the Watch DOGS School Representative and are given their Daily Schedule of responsibilities. They wear a WATCH DOGS T-shirt (uniform) or other WATCH DOGS apparel along with a ‘Dog Tag” (nametag) easily identifying them as an approved volunteer.
Watch DOGS is a program offered by the National Center for Fathering (Fathers.com). The program formally began in 1998 by Jim Moore, after the Jonesboro, Arkansas middle school shooting tragedy.
The Watch DOGS Program has been recognized by the US Department of Education and the US Department of Health and Human Services. Watch DOGS has been involved with the US Department of Education’s P.F.I.E. (Partnership For Family Involvement In Education). A United States Congressman has recognized the program on the floor of Congress as a program that “can be a great tool in our efforts to prevent school violence and to improve student performance because it can increase parental initiative and involvement in their student’s education.” Congressional Record, February 7, 2000, page S392.
For more information, you may check out the WATCH DOGS website at www.fathers.com/watchdogs. If you would like to sign up to be a WATCH DOG, please call Beth Hines, at Paola Middle School, 913-294-8030.
