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District launches Watch D.O.G.S. (Watchful Dads) program at two elementary schools
Summary
Elementary principals introduced the Watch D.O.G.S. program for Beach and Hilbert elementaries, with signups, training, iChat background checks and launch events planned.
Elementary principals Jill Burch and Melissa Nickel told the board the district is reintroducing the national Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program at Beach Elementary and Hilbert Elementary.
Presenters said the program — which emphasizes positive male role models, increased adult supervision and family engagement — will ask fathers and father figures to volunteer at least one day per school year, with an option to participate more frequently. "Watchdogs are dads of great students. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer for at least 1 day each year at an official watchdogs school," presenters said.
Rollout details provided to the board included two family information meetings: a day meeting at Hilbert at 9 a.m. on Friday and an after‑school meeting at Beach the following Thursday, plus a virtual option. Presenters said about 24 fathers or father figures have signed up and roughly eight RSVPs had been recorded for the two informational meetings; staff plan to contact interested families during parent‑teacher conferences to confirm attendance.
The presenters outlined onboarding requirements: participants must pass the district’s iChat clearance (a background check) and complete a short virtual training called "7 Steps to Success" and attend the Watch D.O.G.S. University virtual training. Schools plan a pizza‑night launch event and will order Watch D.O.G.S. start‑up kits for each participating building. Daily volunteer schedules will include classroom time, recess, lunch and arrival/dismissal duties under teacher supervision.
Presenters said the program aims to improve student outcomes by providing role models, helping reduce bullying and increasing school safety through additional adult supervision.
Clarifying details: minimum volunteer commitment is one day per school year; iChat clearance is required before volunteers may be in the building; kickoff events and parent outreach will be coordinated with building staff.
