Welcome!!! J.B. Nelson Elementary Watch D.O.G.S Launch

What is Watch D.O.G.S? 1. Watch D.O.G.S is a father involvement, educational initiative program of the National Center for Fathering (NCF). The program began in 1998 in Springdale, Arkansas, at a single school and has grown into a national program. 2. D.O.G.S. is an acronym for Dads Of Great Students 3. Since the program launched at J.B. Nelson in 2013, 52 fathers and father figures have volunteered at J.B. Nelson.

Mission Statement 1. Actively engage positive male role models in the J.B. Nelson environment. 2. Foster the involvement of fathers and father-figures at school in a structured, focused manner. 3. Encourage a safe and engaged learning environment.

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What do the statistics say? 1. As of 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that 39%, almost 18 million students, in grades 1 thru 12 live in homes without their biological fathers. 2. The U.S. department says 25 million kids are affected by emotional fatherlessness, defined as the father is in the home, but not emotionally engaged in the child’s life.

Statistics and Impact 1. Crime. The Journal of Criminal justice published studies that adolescents, particularly boys, in father-absent homes are at a dramatically higher risk of personal and property delinquencies and of substance abuse and drinking and smoking. 2. Teen pregnancy. Research in child development has shown conclusively that teens without involved fathers are twice as likely to be involved in early sexual activity (younger than 18 years old) and girls are seven times more likely to get pregnant as an adolescent. 3. Health. The National Survey of Youth found that obese children are more likely to live in father-absent home. 4. Education. The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human services says students living in father-absent homes are twice as likely to repeat a grade. Active father involvement in school is associated with the likelihood of students getting good grades (mostly A’s).

“What men have to offer is not better than what the moms have to offer and have been doing and will continue to do. It’s different, it’s unique, it’s the other half, and in too many cases it is missing, especially in education. If there was a shortage of positive female role models in education, someone would hopefully be addressing that. Thankfully that is not the case.”

Who are Watch D.O.G.S volunteers and what are they asked to do? 1.Watch D.O.G.S are dads, step-dads, grandfathers, uncles, and big brothers who are father figures in the lives of J.B. Nelson students. 2.You are invited to spend the day at school in an engaged and positive way interacting with your child, their classmates, and the teachers and staff of J.B. Nelson. 3. Assist, when needed, with PTO and school events (Walk-a-Thon, Teacher appreciation day, etc.)

What does a day in the life of the Watch D.O.G.S. look like?

ELEMENTARY Daily Schedule for _____________________ (Insert WatchDOG’s name here) 8:45-8:55 Check-in at the office and receive your official WATCH D.O.G.S.® ‘Dog Tag’ nametag to place on your official WATCH D.O.G.S.® uniform T-shirt above the WATCH D.O.G.S.® logo. 8:55-9:05 Greet and assist with student arrival in bus arrival/main entrances 9:05-9:20 Go to the office for orientation with the WATCH D.O.G.S.® School Representative. (An announcement will be made of your attendance at school.) Have a photo taken with your student(s) for the Wall of Fame. 9:20-10:15 Classroom assistance in room ___ with your child 10:15-10:45Motor group assistance in Gymnasium 10:45-11:15 Mentoring/reading assistance in LRC 11:15- 1:00 Lunch and recess interaction – we encourage you to eat lunch with your own student(s) and visit with the other students during this time. 1:00-1:20 Attend to personal matters (check s, etc) 1:20-2:00 Assistance with art/gym in room ___ 2:00-3:15Classroom assistance in room ___ with your child 3:15-3:35Assist with dismissal, return t-shirt, collect personal items

Who wins? 1.The students win because the fathers and father figures give their time and energy as a positive male role model. 2.The school wins due to the positive impact that father engagement in the building creates. 3. The ‘Dads’ win because we know our role as a Watch DOG will impact many lives, starting with our own children.

Program modifications for 2015/ Watch D.O.G. “packs”. Up to 5 Dads can volunteer in the school at one time! 2. Ability to volunteer for ½ day (am/pm slots available). 3. Fewer volunteer dates but greater engaged interaction for Dads and students. 4. Please sign up for only one time slot at this time. If open dates are still available after the initial sign up window an update will be ed to you.

Commonly asked questions 1. How do I sign up? You can sign up at the end of tonight’s presentation or register via signup genius. A link will also be ed to you tomorrow. 2. How much does it cost? There is no cost. All you are asked to give is your time, energy, and attention. You can volunteer for a full or half day. 3. Where do I go when I arrive? Arrive at school no later than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time and proceed to the main office for check in. You will need to present photo identification and will be given a Watch D.O.G.S t- shirt and the day’s itinerary. Mr. Jeffrey will answer any questions you may have and discuss school protocols.

Commonly asked questions 4. What should I wear? Dress is casual. Clean blue jeans or khakis and comfortable shoes. A light shirt to wear under your Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt (you will return the shirt to the front desk at the end of the day). 5. Who do I contact if I have questions or need to re-schedule? You can Aaron Kilburg at and/or Matt Jeffrey at 6. Other questions?

Thank you for your time and for volunteering to make a difference in the lives of J.B. Nelson children! Be sure to register before you leave!