The School Watchdog
Ian only started school this year, and already I do all I can to stay involved. I make every school function, I visit his classroom to play with and read to his classmates. Considering how much time our kids spend in school, and the importance of their education, there’s simply no excuse for a parent not to be fully involved in their child’s school.
Watch D.O.G.S. takes fatherly involvement to a new level.
‘…WatchDOG dads [are]volunteers in a national program that puts fathers on school campuses each day to bolster security and act as role models. DOGs stands for Dads of Great Students.
WatchDOGs can also be grandfathers or other adult male family members.
They greet students as they get off buses in the morning. In the afternoon, they walk the halls and perimeters of a campus, checking to see that the appropriate doors are locked. They also help teachers in class and monitor cafeteria and recess periods.’
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American-Statesmen
There’s an assumed distance between fathers and schools. That perceived disinterest is, historically, partly our fault. But it doesn’t really exist, not if we act as though it doesn’t. Stay-at-home mothers are the de facto leaders of my son’s school, so much so that monthly parent meetings are held during the day. I spoke with the principal who spoke with the group’s president, who moved the occasional meeting to evenings.
It just takes effort. Ask your child’s teacher if you can periodically visit the class, and offer your help. My wife’s a teacher, and they’re glad for it! If you’d like your school to become involved with Watch D.O.G.S., visit their site for more information.
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