Watch Dogs
Watch D.O.G.S.® Program
WATCH D.O.G.S.® Dads of Great Students, began in 1998 in a single school and has since grown into a nationally recognized program that has brought over a million 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.
Purpose
WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) is a family and community engagement educational initiative.
There are 2 primary goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program:
- To provide positive male (and female) 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.
We believe that all of us want the same things for our kids and these values unite us. This program serves to bring communities closer together based on these values-based goals. Ultimately, our purpose is to change the country for the better by doing our small part to provide support to our educators and encouragement to our children.
Who are WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students)?
WatchDOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other (mother) and father-figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S.® school. During the day, WatchDOGS 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 WatchDOG dramatically reduces reports of bullying. On the day of their participation, WatchDOGS 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 WatchDOGS.
Benefits
Students gain positive role models
By taking time to come to campus and serve the students and teachers, fathers (and mothers) demonstrate that education is important. A male role model can positively impact a student’s life in three critical areas: academic performance, self-esteem, social behavior
Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears
The presence of a father or father figure provides an additional deterrent to bullying, enhance a sense of security in the building, and helps create an environment conducive to learning.
Fathers and Mothers gain greater awareness of student’s challenges
Fathers and Mothers 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.
Want to Volunteer:
Please watch this short video.
Dads of Great Students - WATCH D.O.G.S.®
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Then, on the day you come in to volunteer, you will report to the office, be handed a piece of paper with your assignments for the day.
Be sure that you include 1-2 times that you go in to your child's class to observe or help if needed. (one class in the morning for about 30 minutes, and one class in the afternoon for about 30 minutes)
The Watch DOGS program suggest that you take a day off of work and come the entire day if possible. It proves to have the greatest impact. With that being said, if you only have a few hours to spare, we will take you anytime you are available.
Shirts:
It is important that when we volunteer, we can be seen easily. In order to do that, it is best we wear the Watch DOGS shirts or vest.
We have a few loaner shirts you can wear (in the office) which will be returned back and washed...
OR you can wear a vest with the Watch DOGS logo on it.
One other option: If you would like to purchase your own shirt, you can buy them here:
Here is a little about the Watch DOGS program. Please read below to learn more about it. Feel free to look on their website or look up YouTube videos as well to get an idea of how this program has worked in other schools around the country.
Please note: This volunteer opportunity is not just for Dads. This is how it started,--with Dads. But it has grown into a program where Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, friends and community members help out as well.
http://www.
Volunteers
Please feel free to sign up on a day that you are available. If you can't stay all day, that's ok-- just write the times available in the slot.
Be sure to tell friends and family they are welcome to come volunteer as well!
Included are the documents needed for Volunteers:
Parent Volunteer Agreement:
Community Volunteer Application:
Easy Steps to become a Watch DOG:
1. Sign up & submit volunteer form
2. Watch the informational video
3. Sign up!
4. Be prepared to be a positive role model for all students and be an inviting and uplifting throughout your shift
5. Come in the school on your day, and report to Katrina in the front office
6. Take any questions or comments to Katrina
7. Before you leave, be sure to give us Feedback on the form and share some positives you saw throughout the day!
8. Thank you, and we would love to see you come again!