WATCH D.O.G.S.® is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps them to be enriched by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their students’ lives. WatchDOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at Fall City Elementary School.
The two main goals of the program is to Provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important, and to provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. 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, and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their own students, but others as well.
Volunteers both provide a benefit to the school and themselves:
Students gain positive male role models. By taking time to come to campus and serve the students and teachers, fathers and father figures demonstrate that education is important. A male role model can positively impact a student's life in three critical areas: academic performance, self-esteem and 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 to the building, and helps create an environment conducive to learning.
Fathers gain a greater awareness of student's challenges. Fathers 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.
If you would like to find out more about the Watch D.O.G.S. program, please visit the Dads of Great Students website.
The Day of a Watch D.O.G.S at Fall City Elementary School
Thank you for taking time to spend a day at school and being a great role model to the students at Fall City Elementary (FCE). Your commitment is greatly appreciated by the students, staff, and community! Here is what your day will look like:
Complete a background check BEFORE your scheduled Watch DOGS day (at least 48 hours in advance).
Review the Volunteer Handbook
ownload the SVSD Background Check form SVSD Background Check. Fill out the form and bring it to the main office with your Washington State drivers license or email the form and a copy of your drivers license to Jenny Uhles. Forms are valid for 2 years, if you are unsure if yours is up to date, please email Jenny.
Check in at the school office to get your crosswalk assignment and schedule. You can bring your FCE students with you for crosswalk duty.
You MUST bring Valid ID at check in Volunteering in SVSD
Wear your official Watch DOGS shirt you received at the Pizza Dinner. If you did not receive a shirt, you can order from here: DOG STORE. Be sure to allow time for shipping.
Lunch and water – you can bring your own lunch or purchase one in the cafeteria in morning when you arrive. Let the office know if you are buying lunch. Bring a water bottle.
Do not talk on your cell phone in the hallways. This is highly distracting for students and staff.
Only use staff restrooms located next to the main office.
