What is Watch D.O.G.S?
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement, organizations in the country. More than 6,450 schools across the country have launched a WATCH D.O.G.S. program of their own. Each school year hundreds of thousands of fathers and father-figures make a positive impact on millions of children by volunteering in their local schools.
Who are WatchDOGS?
Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school’s administration.
You choose the day to volunteer, and the front office will provide a list of things you can help with on that day. It will probably include spending time in your child’s (or children’s) classroom(s) and lending a helping hand wherever one might be needed.
These men will:
- Always wear Official Uniform shirts while they are on official WatchDOG duty.
- ENCOURAGE STUDENTS! (“Hello’s,” smiles, and high fives, etc.)
- Serve at the pleasure of the Principal and Teaching Staff!
For example:
- Help with traffic flow of vehicles and students at arrival and dismissal times
- Monitor hallways and entrances
- Assist at lunch, recess, study hall, social times
- Eat lunch with students
- Play or referee on the playground or in the gym
- Read with classes or tutor small groups of students
- Work with flash cards and/or educational games
- Speak to classes about importance of education and career choices
- Be available to mentor male students
- Help students with test review
- Be a Hero for the day!
These men should NOT:
- Go into students’ (girls’ or boys’) restrooms
- Be alone or unsupervised with students
- Sell or give their official WATCH D.O.G.S.® T-shirt to someone who isn’t an approved WatchDOGS volunteer.
- Engage in any conduct that brings disrespect to himself or his student(s), the school and/or the WATCH D.O.G.S.® Program and other volunteering fathers.