Schools around the state are looking for an extra set of ears and eyes. With the help of the program called Watch D.O.G.S. or Dads of Great Students, it is now possible.
Tuesday, dads helped kick off the program at Watson Intermediate School in Little Rock.
Dads came to get involved and be part of a program with a proven track record.
"It increases student achievement, behavior issues, just to have that extra person in the building," says school counselor Shannon Deneke.
"I want the dads involved instead of just the mom's involved in the children's life," says Top Dog, Fredrick O’Neal.
The program doesn't just provide a positive male role model, but it also helps out teachers and staff.
“[We] help out on the playground; help out at recess and lunchtime,” says O’Neal.
“That's what we need to today, more dads to be a presence at the school. Certain this is going to help,” says Deneke.
"Some kids don't have a dad, and we're here for them," says O’Neal.
Dads volunteer for one day where they'll have an opportunity to help with security and engage in lots of activities ranging from reading to classes to welcoming kids to school and helping with buses. This isn’t just for dads, grandparents and other male role models are encouraged to sign up.
Here’s more information about the program:
Fathers and father-figures are invited to sign up to spend one day this year volunteering, serving as a positive male role model and helping increase a sense of security in the building. During their WATCH D.O.G.S.® day, dads will engage in various activities such as welcoming students during arrival, reading to classes, tutoring small groups of students, having fun at recess, or simply sitting down and connecting with students during lunch. They can share about their careers and experiences, the possibilities are endless!
Program benefits:
• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students) can increase a sense of security at the building for students and staff, and it helps create an environment conducive to learning.
• Students gain a positive male role model. Some students do not have a father-figure present in their home and the number of male teachers has been steadily declining in recent years. More positive male role models are needed in the school setting.
• Fathers and father-figures can spend meaningful time with their students in the school setting and gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their student's life, just by being a 'dad'.
• When WatchDOGS invest a day at school, they can learn how better to partner with the school to meet educational goals of students.
Fore more information you can call WATCH D.O.G.S.®: 1-888-540-3647, e-mail them at watchdogs@fathers.com or visit
Watch D.O.G.S on the the web.
