Watchdogs
Welcome all Dads, Uncles, Grandfathers, and father figures! In 2011, we brought the WatchDOG Dads program to Red Mountain Elementary and the response has been amazing! Fathers report “feeling like rockstars” when students line up to give high-fives on the playground or in the lunchroom. Teachers enjoy the extra set of hands in the classroom. We all love the energy and enthusiasm our dads bring with them. These role models make a big difference.
So…What are WatchDOGS?
WatchDOGS are Dads Of Great Students. The WatchDOGS program is affiliated with National Center for Fathering and there are millions of DOGS across America. To read more, go to www.fathers.com. The purpose of the program is simple – to bring more male volunteers into our schools. WatchDOGS are fathers, step-fathers, uncles, grandfathers and father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day a year in our school.
It’s a D.O.G.S’s Day
Our WatchDOGS arrive at 8:30 a.m. in the morning. WatchDOGS and their children wear T-Shirts so they are easily recognized in the building. A DOGS’s day begins by greeting students as they arrive and assisting in the drop-off lane or by the bus loop.
After a brief orientation, DOGS receive a detailed schedule for the day. We keep dads busy in classrooms, working with small groups of students, helping teachers with special projects, and many other things. Later on, DOGS hang out in the cafeteria with the students, enjoy lunch with their own children, and spend time at recess getting to know the kids. You may even find them joining in on a game of basketball or four square. The day ends around 3:45 p.m. after saying goodbye to students or helping with the crosswalk. It is a busy but very rewarding day.
Click the button below to sign up! Please look for a date with no volunteers. There are assignments for 2 watch dogs a day, but we have been known to take more! Even if you want to come by and be a watch DOG please do it, we will welcome you any time.