CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer for the Watch D.O.G.S. Program at River Oaks!
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:
- To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
- To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.
Who are Watch D.O.G.S?
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.
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.
Program 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
A Typical Day...
- 8:20AM Check-in at office (bring photo ID) to get your Watch D.O.G.S. T-Shirt
- 8:30AM Greet students outside the classroom
- 9:00AM Assist in classroom
- 10:50AM-12:50PM Lunch and recess interaction (eat lunch with your child during this time)
- 1:30PM Assist in classroom
- 2:00PM Get your picture taken for our “Wall of Fame” (time might change)
- 3:00-3:15PM Assist with getting students ready for dismissal.
If you are interested in volunteering or have more questions about the Watch D.O.G.S. program, please contact Ms. Santos ([email protected]) or Mr. Stone ([email protected]).