WATCH D.O.G.S.
Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Apr 18, 2017
No, our program April 14th wasn't about the Washington Huskies. Scott Kelly, from Snohomish was our guest speaker on a topic near and dear to his heart. Amazing program which started in Springdale, Arizona in 1998 and has turned into a national phenomenon. Scott started the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) in Washington in 2007. Interested individuals can find out more about the program at www.fathers.com or www.fathers.com/watchdogs. Who wouldn't want a great student? After all they are the future of our communities. In today's society, nearly 40% of young students go to bed each night without a father figure in their lives. That is a staggering figure for many of us to comprehend.
Today, there are over 5,000 schools in the United States with WATCH D.O.G.S. programs. An average school has 85 dads or father-figures involved in the program. At Little Cedars Elementary School in Snohomish, they have over 180 dads or father-figures involved in the program. That's a one day commitment during the school year. When Scott started the program it involved his daughter and son at Little Cedars Elementary School. Scott's father and father-in-law are both involved in the program. Starting a program, usually begins with a pizza party at the initial meeting. In Scott's case, 100 dads or father-figures and 200 kids showed up.
WATCH WATCH D.O.G.S. is an all volunteer program with no cost to the local elementary schools. Test scores indicate an increase in the students grades when a dad shows up at least three times a year.
The goal of the program is to 1) promote a positive male model for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important and 2) to provide extra set of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. Students gain a positive male role model. Since its inception, the program has been recognized by the United States Department of Education and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Further, the U.S. Department of Education's P.F.I.E. (Partnership for Family Involvement in Education) and the Department's Safe School Summit. So many grateful acclaims have been added nationally and to numerous to list. But, if you are a dad of a student, perhaps its time to look into this program for you and your great student.
Another fantastic program headlining what dads and father-figures can do to improve education for young children today when so many are without father-figures in their daily lives.