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:
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To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
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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.
Benefits
Students gain positive male role models
By taking time to come to campus and serve the students and teachers, fathers 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 gain 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
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, 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.
How do I become a WatchDOG?
If the WatchDOGS team seems like the right way for you to make a positive impact at FCA, please complete the registration form by clicking the link below.
As part of the process for joining the team, all WatchDOGS members must complete and have a clear criminal background check.
After joining the team we ask that our WatchDOGS father-figures plan to volunteer once every four to six weeks. Making a positive impact is something we do every day, so we need participation!