Watch D.O.G.S. meet at school
Tuesday night more than 100 people, mostly fathers, filled the cafeteria at Pine Island Elementary School to hear a presentation about Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students). Watch D.O.G.S. is a “father involvement” program of the National Center of Fathering where men work along side educators to help at their local school. These men serve as crossing guards, car/bus rider facilitators, hallway monitors, library assistants and lunchroom helpers – the possibilities are endless.
Pine Island Elementary School Principal Rob Mazzoli opened the meeting. “Look at these dads in here,” Mazzoli said. “We have dads, uncles, grandfathers, give yourself a big round of applause what an awesome turnout we have tonight. We will have a presentation on a father-involvement program to provide mentorship experiences and provide an extra set of eyes on our campus.
“At the end of last year I met with a number of community members and we talked about the safety here at Pine Island Elementary School,” Mazzoli said. “We all know that our main priority, outside of teaching our children, is their safety. We sat down and discussed what we can do to improve the safety of our children at school. After lots of conversations, and then talking with Mrs. (Shannon) Shaal, we came to the conclusion that Watch D.O.G.S. would work for us. I’d like to recognize those key members that have been a part of this conversation since last February: Dave Cambio, Capt. Dobson, Elsie Stearns, and Garth Moreau.
“Here are a few interesting statistics,” Mazzoli said. “In our schools today the rate of fatherless and unfathered children has ranged from 35 percent to 75 percent of the student population. That means that 35 percent to 75 percent of our children are missing an important ingredient in their lives.
“Like many of you I’m a dad also, and I have a job, and I’m trying to make life work for my family as well,” he continued. “So tonight we’re here to talk to all you guys about a program we all believe in here at Pine Island Elementary School. One that will raise the banner of fathering in our school, in our homes and in our community. I want to thank you all for being here tonight. This is important work we’re about to do guys… we’re counting on you. This program will only be as successful as you make it.”
A short video was shown from The Today Show with Matt Lauer. The video featured fathers participating in a Watch D.O.G.S. program at a West Virginia elementary school. Eric Snow, national director of Watch D.O.G.S. describes the program as “focusing on the education and safety in children’s schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures. The male volunteers demonstrate by their presence that education is important, and provide an extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.”
“As Mr. Mazzoli said, Watch D.O.G.S. is a father-involvement program,” said Shaal, coordinator and fifth grade teacher. “Its goal is to bring fathers and father-figures into the classroom and it is endorsed by the President’s Advisory Council. The reason we need to bring more males into the school is because we know our students become more physically, academically, socially and spiritually engaged when they have a male role model present.
“There are two kinds of fatherlessness – physical and emotional,” Shaal said. “Emotional fatherlessness is when the father is busy working or not available. If you can take the time to show your children that education is important it could make all the difference. The men that participate can not only be a role model for their kids, but a role model for kids that don’t have a father.”
Homes where kids are without fathers are impacted in many ways. There is an effect in every major social and economic category: poverty, crime, teen pregnancy, health and education. Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school.
Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and uncles are asked to spend at least one day per year at their student’s school volunteering. They support the school that day through monitoring the school property, working one-on-one or in small groups, reading, helping with flashcards and homework, serving as sports referees and generally helping to plant the seeds of success in students’ lives.
A typical day at Pine Island Elementary School would include being at the school at the beginning of the day. Check in, help out with the arrival of the students either at the car ramp or the bus ramp, get your picture taken with your child, that picture will be displayed on a bulletin board. The father would appear on the school news channel and then volunteer in several classrooms. He might help in the cafeteria, phys ed and recess. In the afternoon the dads will be asked to complete a survey to find out what they liked about the program and make suggestions of the areas that might be improved.
“There are three winners in this,” Shaal said. “The first winners are the kids, the second winner is the school and community and the third winner is you. I promise you will have that positive experience. One last thing before you leave. I would like to read a short story about a young man named Derek Redmond.”
Redmond was a British Olympic athlete. During his career, he held the British record for the 400 meters sprint, and won several gold medals. However, his career was blighted by a series of injuries. At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona he tore his hamstring muscle during the 400 meters semi-final but continued the race limping. His father, sitting in the stands at the time, leaped over the barricades and with his son’s arm over his shoulder helped him finish the race. The crowd offered a standing ovation and the video has been used by several organizations, including VISA, promoting “humanity.”
“That day Derek Redmond didn’t walk away with a gold medal but he did walk away with something far greater,” Shaal said. “He walked away with the truth that his father was there for him. Tonight you have an opportunity to do the same. To leave a positive mark with your child. It’s time to get involved, time to line up, sign up and show up. Thank you very much.”
Each applicant must complete a registration form (available at the school). Turn it in and a background check will follow. Once completed a date can be set for your day at the school.