WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is
an innovative program of the National Center for Fathering
focusing
on prevention of violence in our nation’s schools
by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures
for
a two-fold purpose:
1) to provide an unobtrusive presence in the schools,
and 2) to be a positive and active role-model for students
at their school.
WATCH D.O.G.S. was founded by Jim Moore, a concerned
father who chose to take action in response to a 1998
middle-school shooting in Jonesboro, AR. Joined with
National Center for Fathering in 2006, WATCH D.O.G.S.
serves to inspire and equip men to be the involved
fathers, grandfathers and father-figures their students
need.
Program Benefits
The benefits of the program are many, according
to WATCH D.O.G.S.® National
Director, Scott Huse.
· Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence
of a father or father-figure enhances a sense of
security at the building for students and staff and helps create an environment
conducive to learning.
· Students gain a positive male role model. Many students
do not have a father-figure present in their home
and these students benefit when a positive male role
model is present.
· Fathers get a glimpse of their students’ everyday
world and 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.
· Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact
they can have on their student’s life in three
critical areas including: academic performance, self
esteem, social behavior.
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, mentor
students, and any other assigned activities
where they actively engage with not only their
own students, but other
students as well. Their mere presence offers
additional security at the school during the
day! On the day of their
participation, the participants are given a
brief review of their involvement.
