If you are interested in volunteering, you may use our Sign-Up Genius online form to sign up or scan the QR code.

If you have any questions, please email ELL teacher Amanda Doll or email reading specialist Sarah Kennedy

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, Eric Snow.

• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father-figure enhances a sense of security in 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 student's 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 students 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 Watch D.O.G.S? What do they do?

Watch D.O.G.S. are fathers and step-fathers who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S.® school. During the day, Watch D.O.G.S. get to attend specials and lunch with their students. In addition to those times, they may help with arrival, announcements, play games with students, and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their own students, but other students as well. 

Volunteers will begin with check-in at 8:00 a.m. and then leave with their students at 3:40 p.m. During morning check-in, Watch D.O.G.S. participants are given a brief overview of their involvement for that school day along with a daily schedule. Volunteers also receive a WATCH D.O.G.S. vest to wear for the day.

Program Goals

WATCH D.O.G.S.® strives to:

• Raise the banner of positive fathering through the forum of schools across America and the world.
• Awaken fathers to the values and benefits of committed fathering.
• Change culture whereby every student has a father or father-figure to connect with in a positive way at school.
• Help every school in America be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father figures in their student’s life.

For more information, visit the Watch D.O.G.S. website, call 1-888-540-DOGS(3647) to speak with a program developer, or email the national Watch D.O.G.S. program email the national Watch D.O.G.S. program.