WATCH D.O.G.S. ® (Dads Of Great Students) is a family and community engagement educational initiative.
There are 2 primary goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program.
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.
To participate as a WATCH D.O.G. at SCS:
You must have a current student or grandchild at SC.
You must have a current background check on file. If not, begin that process by completing this background check form. (The process takes about a week once the forms are completed)
You must fill out the WATCH D.O.G.S. general skill set information form.
Once the Skills Form and Background are completed, you will receive an email with a link to the sign-up form to pick your day to serve.
WATCH D.O.G.S.® began in 1998 in a single school in Springdale, Arkansas and has since grown into a nationally 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.
Program Benefits
Students gain positive male role models.
Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father figure will provide an additional deterrent to bullying, enhance a sense of security in the building, and help to create an environment conducive to learning.
Fathers get a glimpse of their students’ everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today’s youth face. As a result, they can learn to relate better to their student and hopefully connect with them.
Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their students’ lives in three critical areas, including academic performance, self-esteem, and social behavior.
Who are WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students)?
WatchDOGS are fathers and grandfathers who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S. ® school – like SC. During the day, WatchDOGS may work on projects around the school, 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 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 schedule, and they wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S. vest.