Watch D.O.G.S. are fathers and father figures who build a visible presence in the building, and become an integral part of the school community.  Parkwood has always had awesome support from the men in our community at meetings, conferences, and school and PTA events, so the program seems like a perfect fit.  When you run out of pizza at the Pizza with Pop event, you know you’re in a great situation.

The program itself is simple:  dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, family friends, etc. are asked to take one day (or half day) during the school year, and spend it at school.  They check in at the office in the morning, and receive their WatchD.O.G.S. badge so students and staff can easily recognize them, receive a brief orientation and schedule, and then we put them to work.  Duties include welcoming students as they arrive, sitting with/mentoring students in class, eating with children at lunch, and connecting with students at recess.

Past participants talk about the rewards they get from spending a day being a positive role model for children.  Students talk about the pride they feel having their dad at school, or the connection they made to someone else’s dad.

More information on WatchDOGS can be found at:

• WatchDOGS program
• On the Today show
• NBC News video
• US Secretary of Education advisory

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email Che Martinez at