Fathers Get Involved in Local Elementary School

On February 27th, the U.S. Grant Elementary School Multipurpose center flooded with excitement as the first kick-off event for the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program was held. WATCH D.O.G.S.® is the father involvement initiative of the National Center For Fathering. Inspired by one father’s desire to increase male involvement in his children’s school and with the help of the schools teachers and administration, WATCH D.O.G.S was created in 1998 at George Elementary in Springdale, AR. By implementing strong male figures into the schools, the program hopes to constructively impact the success of the children, both in personal growth and in education. Studies by the U.S. Department of Education have demonstrated that a positive adult male role model will have a uniquely positive impact on the development and educational success of a child. The U.S. Department of Education has identified the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program as an effective way to increase male involvement in our nation’s schools. Each school year thousands of men volunteer to work at least one day in their child’s school through the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program. These men work along side the educators to help as crossing guards, car/bus rider facilitators, hallway monitors, library assistants, lunchroom helpers, classroom and homework tutors and playground/gymnasium coaches. The possibilities are endless. Every school year these men have a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids. According to the official website, www.fathers.com/watchdogs, since the establishment of the program it has spread to more than 3,793 schools in 46 states. Thursday night marked the introduction of the program into the school as more than 280 confirmed guests watched a video presentation on the benefits of getting involved. Alyssa Lara, mother of three, and wife to one of the D.O.G.S. shared, "here you see familiar faces and feel calmed." The close-knit relationships in the community between administrators, parents, and teachers adds to the effectiveness of the program. Principal Kathy Jackson shares, "If a child is struggling, sometimes all they need is a male teacher to read to them." The program seems to emit an overall sense of family in regards to comfort. For those children who have limited, or no time to spend with a father at home, are still able to experience exposure to a number of positive male role models in the classroom. Some of the top D.O.G.S. (pictured), Jon Doole, Ray Magallanez, and Maurice Paniagua express their enthusiasm for the program. This kick-off event salutes to the first school in the Colton Joint Unified School District to participate in that the program, and the beginning of a program the school hopes to keep alive for years to come. [END] U.S. Grant Elementary Kick off WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) Program WHO: Students and fathers and father-figures of U.S. Grant Elementary WHAT: Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night to kick off a new innovative father involvement program called WATCHD.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students). WATCH D.O.G.S.® is the father involvement initiative of the National Center For Fathering. WHEN: Wednesday February 26, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHERE: U.S. Grant Elementary 550 W. Olive Street, Colton, Ca 92324 U.S.Grant Elementary Kick off WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) Program WHO: Students and fathers and father-figures of U.S. Grant Elementary WHAT: Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night to kick off a new innovative father involvement program called WATCHD.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students). WATCH D.O.G.S.® is the father involvement initiative of the National Center For Fathering. Inspired by one father’s desire to increase male involvement in his children’s school and with the help of the schools teachers and administration, WATCH D.O.G.S was created in 1998 at George Elementary in Springdale, AR. Since then, the program has spread to more than _______* schools in over ___* states and other countries abroad. (* Please call the National WATCHD.O.G.S. ® Office for current school and state counts. 1-888-540-3647) WHEN: Wednesday February 26, 2014 at 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. WHERE: U.S. Grant Elementary 550 W. Olive Street, Colton, Ca 92324 WHY: Studies by the U.S. Department of Education have demonstrated that a positive adult male role model will have a uniquely positive impact on the development and educational success of a child. Dramatically increasing the child’s likelihood of graduating and getting mostly A’s along the way, while at the same time dramatically decreasing the likelihood of that child living in poverty, getting involved with drugs and alcohol, and avoiding potentially devastating choices that result in a criminal record or a teen pregnancy. The U.S. Department of Education has identified the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program as an effective way to increase male involvement in our nation’s schools. Each school year thousands of men volunteer to work at least one day in their child’s school through the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program. These men work along side the educators to help as crossing guards, car/bus rider facilitators, hallway monitors, library assistants, lunchroom helpers, classroom and homework tutors and playground/gymnasium coaches. The possibilities are endless. Every school year these men have a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids. Program benefits • Students gain a positive male role model. Some students do not have a father-figure present in their home and the number of male teachers has been steadily declining in recent years. More positive male role models are needed in the school setting. • Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students) can increase a sense of security at the building for students and staff, and it helps create an environment conducive to learning. • Fathers and father-figures can spend meaningful time with their students in the school setting and gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their student’s life, just by being a ‘dad’. • When WatchDOGS invest a day at school, they can learn how better to partner with the school to meet educational goals of students. • FOR MORE INFORMATION on the WATCH D.O.G.S.® program call 1-888-540-3647, e-mail watchdogs@fathers.com or visit www.fathers.com/watchdogs. Pizza Night information: Principal Kathleen Houle-Jackson (909) 580-5024