Watch D.O.G.S.

WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For Fathering. There are two primary goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program.  http://www.fathers.com/watchdogs/

1) To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
2) To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

WATCH D.O.G.S. began in 1998 in a single school in Springdale, Arkansas and has since grown into a national recognized program that has brought hundreds of thousands of fathers and father figures into the school classrooms and hallways across the country, creating millions of hours of “in school” volunteer time and having a tremendously positive impact on the educational process. Today more than 6,450 schools across the US participate in Watch D.O.G.S and there are also programs in China, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Barbados.

Who Are WatchDOGS?

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. 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. t-shirt with a disposable ‘Dog Tag’ identifying them as WATCHDOGS.

How WatchDOGS Work at Evans Elementary 

• Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father-figures are invited to volunteer for at least one day, all day, each year at Evans Elementary. WatchDOGS volunteers perform a variety of tasks during their volunteer day including monitoring the lunch room, or helping in the classroom with teacher's guidance by working with small groups of students on homework, flashcards, or spelling. 

• Eat lunch with your child as well as spend a portion of your day in their classroom helping out and gaining a better understanding of what your child does on a daily basis at school.

• Our WatchDOG group meets a couple of times each school year to discuss the upcoming schedule and review any recent activities.

• We work to support Evans Elementary PTA in any way possible.  Some of examples of additional support needs are:

  • Book Fair setup and breakdown

  • Donuts with Dads events - twice a year

  • Setup and cleanup for events like Corky's Cookout, Evans Express day, Field Day, etc 

You must obtain an AISD background check to join the Evans WatchDOGS group and volunteer at the school in any capacity.  It takes approximately 2 weeks for approval, submit your application now: https://www.allenisd.org/page/register-volunteer

This is a great program and opportunity to be more involved with your child's education and daily life. If you are interested on joining or would like more information, please send an email to watchdogs@maryevanspta.org or contact Matt Willey (mwilley@microsoft.com).  We will stay in contact with you about T-shirt orders and signup slots.