Elementary School
Watch D.O.G.S
Who are WatchDOGS (Dads of Great Students)?
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 sign up: play at recess, eat lunch with students, and assist with arrival and/or dismissal where they actively engage with not only their own students, but other students as well. Many school principals have reported that the mere presence of a WatchDOG dramatically reduces reports of bullying. 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 vest borrowed from the school.
Benefits of becoming a Watch D.O.G.S
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
Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears
The presence of a father or father figure provides an additional deterrent to bullying, enhances a sense of security in the building, and helps create an environment conducive to learning.
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.
Step 1:
Background checks must be completed annually to ensure the district has updated information on the volunteers in their schools. Please note that a background check can take up to 72 hours or more to be processed and cannot be done on the spot at the campus.
At the end of the orientation, you will be required to answer a few questions to prove completion of the NISD Volunteer 101 Training. Orientation must be completed on an annual basis and will expire one year after your questionnaire is submitted.
Step 3:
Once you have:
- Completed the volunteer application and received an approval email
- Reviewed the Volunteer 101 Orientation and completed the questionnaire
You are ready!