In 2016, New Richmond Elementary (NRE) participated in the nationally recognized Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program. After seeing great success in its first year, NRE officials are seeking to not only continue the program, but are inviting others to join and grow the program.
Since the program's initiation in 1998, Watch D.O.G.S. has been inviting fathers and father figures into school systems nationwide to provide positive male role models for students. Whether it be monitoring the school entrance and welcoming students, helping load and upload buses, or supervising the lunchroom and recess time, the volunteer Watch D.O.G.S. are playing a crucial role in not only engaging with their own students, but other students as well.
In an interview with the Clermont Sun, NREVSD Board Member and Program Initiator, Tim DuFau stated, “I thought it was a powerful program to have male role models. You know, there are so many males who aren’t engaged in their kids’ life. I thought it would be neat to start something like this in New Richmond because I know of several kids that don’t have good male role models in their lives.”
Through the Watch D.O.G.S Program, NRE aims for the following:
1- To emphasize that education is important.
2- By having these volunteers present, an extra set of eyes and ears will enhance school security and reduce bullying.
As the program looks to relaunch in the very near future, NRE is seeking volunteers. Fathers and father figures who are interested and/or are seeking more information about the program are invited to attend “Pizza With Dad” on Thursday, September 14 at 6:30pm in NRE’s cafeteria.
For more information, please visit fathers.com/watchdogs.