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.
