FES Watch D.O.G.S Dads Program Kicks-off Year 2 With Success
September 8, 2019
Freeport Elementary School had a huge turnout for their Watch Dog Dads Program. Over 150 dads attended the Pizza Night for students, fathers, and father-figures and signed up to volunteer throughout our school! This is the 2nd year that FES has partnered with the program to bring positive male role models into the school.
"The WATCH D.O.G.S.® program was created by a group of parents and educators in a single school in 1998, and has since grown to one of the largest and most respected family and community engagement initiatives in the country.
Each year thousands of schools across the country utilize the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program to reach out to the fathers and father-figures of their students and invite those men to take at least one full day off work during the school year and spend that entire day volunteering in their child’s school. Each year WATCH D.O.G.S. ® generates millions of in-school volunteer hours in support of our students and educators across the country.
Program benefits
• Students gain a positive male role model. Some students do not have a father-figure present in their home and the number of male teachers has been steadily declining in recent years. More positive male role models are needed in the school setting.
• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students) can increase a sense of security at the building for students and staff, and it helps create an environment conducive to learning.
• Fathers and father-figures can spend meaningful time with their students in the school setting and gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their student’s life, just by being a ‘dad’.
• When WatchDOGS invest a day at school, they can learn how better to partner with the school to meet the educational goals of students."
Freeport Elementary is excited to continue this program for their school and community!