Dunbar Elementary School engages the men in students’ lives through WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), a father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering. WATCH D.O.G.S. are fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities assigned by the school.
On August 15th, Watch D.O.G.S. were greeted by Superintendent Erroll B. Davis who made a special appearance. A father and grandfather himself, Superintendent Davis was thrilled to see men volunteering and taking their time to support and mentor the children at school.
The WATCH D.O.G.S. help with lunch supervision, serve as hall monitors, help students cross the street and walk home safely, work with small student groups, and strive to enrich the lives of everyone they encounter. This initiative has resulted in an increase in daily attendance, parent/community involvement, and fewer discipline issues.
Dunbar believes all committed fathers make a difference in their children, and considers these men as heroes for seizing this opportunity!
– by Tomiko Cobb, Media Specialist and Communications Ambassador at Dunbar