Watch D.O.G.S.®

WATCH D.O.G.S. ® (Dads Of Great Students)  An innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For Fathering  Primary Goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® Program: To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. WATCH D.O.G.S.® began in 1998 in a single school in Springdale, Arkansas and has since grown into a nationally recognized program that has brought hundreds of thousands of fathers and father figures into the school classrooms and hallways across the country, creating millions of hours of “in school” volunteer time and having a tremendously positive impact on the educational process. Program Benefits Students gain a positive male role model.  Many students do not have a father-figure present in their home and these students benefit when a positive male role model is present.  Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears.  The presence of a father or father-figure enhances a sense of security at the building for students and staff and helps create an environment conducive to learning. Fathers get a glimpse of their students’ everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today’s youth are facing.  As a result, they can learn to relate better to their student and hopefully connect with them. Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their student’s life in three critical areas including: academic performance, self esteem, social behavior. Who are WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students)? WatchDOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father-figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S. ® school. During the day, Watch DOGS may read and work on flash cards with students, play at recess, eat lunch with students, watch the school entrances and hallways, assist with traffic flow and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their own students, but other students as well. Many school principals have reported that the mere presence of a Watch DOG dramatically reduces reports of bullying. On the day of their participation, Watch DOGS are given a brief review of their involvement and they wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S. ® t-shirt with a disposable ‘Dog Tag’ identifying them as Watch DOGS.   Program Recognition The WATCH D.O.G.S.® program has been recognized by the United States Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has been involved in the U.S. Department of Education’s P.F.I.E. (Partnership For Family Involvement In Education) and the Department’s Safe School Summit.  The WATCH D.O.G.S.® program is a founding member of National PTA’s M.O.R.E. Alliance (Men Organized to Raise Engagement). WATCH D.O.G.S. ® was featured on ABC World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson in their “Spirit of America” segment on November 17, 2008 and a February 2009 article in the New York Times. Also, the program has been recognized by on the floor of Congress as a program that “can be a great tool in our efforts to prevent school violence and the improve student performance because it can increase parental initiative and involvement in their children’s education.”  (Congressional Record, February 7, 2000 page S392) WATCH D.O.G.S. ® has been endorsed by the President’s Advisory Council and included in the March 2010 report to the President.  Program Goals  WATCH D.O.G.S. ® strives to: Raise the banner of positive fathering through the forum of schools across America and the world. Awaken fathers to the values and benefits of committed fathering. Change culture by where every student has a father or father-figure to connect with in a positive way at school. Help every school in America be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student's life. For more information visit the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® website at www.fathers.com/watchdogs or call Christy Keesee at Leesville Road Elementary School at 434-239-0303 to learn more about WATCH D.O.G.S.® at our school