A wonderful program has emerged at our kindergarten center/elementary school. It is WATCH D.O.G.S. WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and to enhance school security. Who are WatchDOGS? Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day each year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or other administrator. Some participants gave time each week and some gave time on one day during the school year. Dads volunteered each week on their day off or even used vacation time to help at school! All participants attended an orientation to explain procedures and responsibilities at the beginning of the school year. Our principal introduced participants each day on the televised morning announcements so staff and children would see the faces of the volunteers. Participants wear WatchDOG t-shirts or vests to identify themselves during the time they are in the building. We had extra help in the classroom, on the playground, in the lunchroom, and in the hallways. There is even a special parking spot for a WatchDOG in the parking lot! There are about 30 states with at least one school using the program. We are one of about 8 school districts in Wisconsin using the program. It is a great way to get male figures into the building and get support for staff and children! WATCH D.O.G.S.® is a founding member of the National PTA's M.O.R.E. Coalition (Men Organized to Raise Engagement). School administrators and dads both agree WATCH D.O.G.S.® is a winner! * 79% of principals surveyed strongly agreed or agreed that "The WATCH D.O.G.S.® program has made a significant contribution to the safety of our school." * 96% of dads strongly agreed or agreed that their "experience as a WatchDOGS volunteer was rewarding" and they would "want to do something like this again." Go to Fathers.com for more information and sign up for the Training Conference Call that will teach you how to start a WatchDOGS program at your school. There are many scheduled for August. It is not too late to organize a program for the upcoming school year. The phone based training is FREE and there is no obligation. There is also a link to check out the ABC WORLD NEWS Story about WatchDOGS. You will love WatchDOGS! It is a great way to connect with families and gain help in our schools.