Program Benefits

The benefits of the program are many, according to WATCH D.O.G.S. Founder Jim Moore.

• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father-figure enhances a sense of security at the building for students and staff and helps create an environment conducive to learning.
• Children gain a positive male role model. Many children do not have a father-figure present in their home and these children benefit when a positive male role model is present.
• Fathers get a glimpse of their child's everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today's youth are facing. As a result, they can learn to relate better to their child and hopefully connect with them.
• Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their child's life in three critical areas including: academic performance, self esteem, social behavior.

Who are WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students)?

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 kids, play at recess, eat lunch with their child, watch the school entrances and hallways, assist with traffic flow, mentor students, and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their child(ren), but other students as well. Their mere presence offers additional security at the school during the day! On the day of their participation, the participants are given a brief review of their involvement and they wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America t-shirt or vest identifying them as WatchDOGS.

Program Recognition

The WATCH D.O.G.S. program has been recognized by the United States Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has been involved in the U.S. Department of Education's P.F.I.E. (Partnership For Family Involvement In Education). The program has been recognized by on the floor of Congress as a program that can be a great tool in our efforts to prevent school violence and the improve student performance because it can increase parental initiative and involvement in their children's education. (Congressional Record, February 7, 2000 page S392).