By Brandy Young
From the car line to the classroom, Magazine Elementary School is calling on fathers to become more active in their students’ education. Earlier this semester, the Watch D.O.G.S. program was initiated, and has gotten off to a great start.
Watch D.O.G.S (Dads Of Great Students) is a nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind program that brings dads, step-dads, grandfathers, uncles, or other father figures into the schools. Started in 1998, the program has grown to more than 6,800 schools across the county, with Magazine joining that list this year. The program has 2 primary goals: to provide positive male role models for the students, and to provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.
On August 30, the school held a Pizza Night to introduce the program to potential volunteers. The event was well attended, with many signing up that night. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one day each year. On the day of their participation,they are given a review of their involvement and wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S t-shirt to identify them as WatchDOGS.
What exactly do the WatchDOGS do? During the school day, WatchDOGS may read and work on flash cards with students, play at recess, eat lunch with students, watch school entrances, walk hallways and perimeters to ensure that interior and exterior doors are locked, assist with the car line, or any number of other assigned activities. They have the opportunity to engage with not only their own students, but other students as well. Many school administrators have reported that the mere presence of a WatchDOG dramatically reduces reports of bullying.
“Our students are excited everyday when the come to school and meet the WatchDOG of the day,” says Elementary Principal Jared Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham first brought the program to the school board in the spring of 2022 where it was met with great excitement. “We are confident that this will bring more parent investment into their children’s education,” says board member Steven Schlinker. He also is encouraged that more parents will be able to see first-hand what happens from day to day in the school.
This year, the program is overseen by Joshua Scott, who is serving as the “Top Dog.” Scott is partnering with school administrators to coordinate scheduling and identify opportunities for WatchDOGS to assist at the school.
Everyone involved benefits in some way. The school gains an extra set of eyes and ears, the students gain positive male role models, and fathers gain greater awareness of the administrators’ and students’ challenges. Fourth-grader Colton Fox said that the best part of having the WatchDOGS on campus is, “You feel safe.” He also enjoys playing kickball with them at recess.
If you are interested in volunteering as a WatchDOG, contact the elementary office at 866-900-2001 or Joshua School via Facebook Messenger.
