Schuylkill Valley WatchD.O.G.S

A father involvement program by the National Center for Fathering (NFC) www.fathers.com Not for profit organization What is WATCH D.O.G.S.?

Kids develop more fully socially, physically, academically, emotionally, and spiritually when they have a positive male role model actively engaged. 25 million kids nationwide and millions more are affected emotionally by fatherlessness. 39%, almost 18 million students in Grades 1 through12 live in homes without their biological fathers WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR FATHERS AND FATHER figures TO BE ENGAGED IN A CHILD’S LIFE?

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services says that fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. 7,000 students drop out every day nationwide and only about 70% of students graduate from high school. In the 50 largest cities, only 58% of students graduate. Alarming statistics

What are the two main objectives of the watch d.o.g.s. program? 1. Provide positive male role models for the students. 2. Enhance school security. The overall goal is to help create a safe and productive educational environment. Bullying and other distractions seem to periodically disappear when a WatchDOG is in the classroom, hallway, or the playground. What are the two main objectives of the watch d.o.g.s. program?

Who are the watch d.o.g.s. volunteers? YOU are the WatchDOGS for Schuylkill Valley Elementary School. Most days, you may be know as a banker, a construction worker, a plant manager, a fireman, or whatever your profession is, but at least one day a year you can be a hero in the eyes of your student and the school staff. You are not principals, teachers, school resource officers, counselors or any official school authority. However, you can help with bus/car drop off, monitoring hallways, playground duty, assisting with the lunchroom, etc. Who are the watch d.o.g.s. volunteers?

A day in the life of a watch d.o.g.s. dad… Get to school at 8:20, sign in, and participate in a video announcement Assist with morning bus arrival-GIVE LOTS OF HIGH-FIVES! Assist in classrooms for ~40 mins doing various activities (Reading with students, flash cards, math review, kid writing etc.) Lunch and recess with your student Recess do’s and don’t’s Picking up students, zip line, tag near other people, etc. Door/building security check Complete National End of the Day Survey T-shirts- Panther Dad (anyone new- returning dads please wear your t- shirt from last year). A day in the life of a watch d.o.g.s. dad…

To volunteer, you will need ALL clearance requirements to be turned in to HR before your day in. Procedure has been updated since last year- affects new volunteers (first time or new to SV). Must have signed off on board policy acknowledgements Clearance Requirements sheet is available for anyone with questions https://www.schuylkillvalley.org/domain/31 Clearances

Changes from last year Each volunteer can sign up once. Not enough spaces last year due to multiple sign- ups Instead of every Monday/Wednesday like last year volunteers this year will be M,W,F during the middle two weeks of each month. Building feedback: additional hands can be used in the cafeteria and recess. This usually means double recess and about 30-40 mins additionally in the cafeteria to the time where you eat with your student(s). Changes from last year

Sign up on the elementary school webpage under the WatchD.O.G.S tab There will be a link for the 2017-2018 calendar via Signup.org Cancellation: should you need to cancel the time you signed up for, please give me at least 24 hours notice. Signup will send you an email reminder the day before you volunteer. Please fill out all of the material (child name, class etc) needed in the calendar. Line up and sign up!!!!