Gravely’s volunteer dads are making a difference as W.A.T.C.H. DOGS

Gravely Elementary School has a unique program at the school, which benefits the students, staff, parents and community. This is the third year for its WATCH D.O.G.S., Dads of Great Students, program.

On Feb. 11, the school held its second semester volunteer informational meeting with its Donuts for Dads event, which had approximately 60 fathers and granddads attending with their students.

Nicole Masci, a second grade teacher at Gravely and Matthew Anderson, its music teacher,. are the cosponsors of the program. Masci explained, “I started the program with Mr. Mike Eiden in the Spring of 2013. When I was growing up, after school activities seemed to be the primary time dads were in the school environment. 

This program invites dads, grandfathers and male role models to be involved in their children’s and the community’s education during the school day”

Eiden, coordinator of the program, said, “WATCH D.O.G.S. is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For Fathering. There are two primary goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program. First, to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Second, to provide extra sets of eyes and ears enhancing school security and reducing bullying.”

The WATCH D.O.G.S. also assist by reading to the students, playing math games, reviewing their spelling and vocabulary words, playing with the students at recess,  giving math facts and eating lunch with the students in the cafeteria.

“ Last year, I even had a dad help students act out a Reader’s Theater play. The students ask every day ‘Will there be a Watch D.O.G. helping in the classroom?’ or ‘Can I read with a Watch D.O.G.?’ It shows the students that the whole community cares and that their education is important,” said Eiden.

The program began on April 16, 2013, and by June,  there were 46 WATCH D.O.G.S. which added up to 322 volunteer hours. In 2014, there were 72 WATCH D.O.G.S., who gave 576 volunteer hours at Gravely.

Eiden said, “Many school principals have reported that the mere presence of a Watch D.O.G. Dad dramatically reduces reports of bullying. On the day of their participation, Watch D.O.G. Dads are given a brief review of their involvement, and they wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S.’ tee shirt with a disposable Dog Tag identifying them as a Watch D.O.G.”

The men usually come in at 8:30 a.m. and stay until school is over. In some instances, to accommodate work schedules, some may sign up for a half day.

“The beauty of this program is you can volunteer as much or as little as possible. I have some WATCH D.O.G.S. who can only volunteer half-days. We will happily take any time that a Dad or Father-figure could offer,” said Eiden.

Kevin Mathis, who was there with Barbara his third grade daughter, shared, “The primary reason I do this is it gives me a great opportunity to bond with my daughter, and see what is going on at her school. It is also nice to be able to help other kids who may need a little extra help to focus on their work and provide a positive male role model.”

Barbara shared why she likes her dad to be a WATCH D.O.G., saying, “It is nice seeing my family help in the school. My dad was able to help with the fire drill, biography in a bottle project and practice flash cards.”

Bill Baird was there with his grandson, Jack Berberoglu a second grader. “This program gives the males in families the chance to come and be an extra set of eyes. You get to see what is going on in the school, and it lets Jack know we are involved in what he is doing at school.”

Jack shared, “I like how the D.O.G.S. and my grandfather can help me with my work or if I don’t understand something.”
Eiden sends out an email newsletter to the men involved each week to let them know what is going on with the program. In addition, both Eiden and Masci had the opportunity to explain the program to other schools in the County and several have initiated WATCH D.O.G.S
. 
Further information about the program can be found at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).