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closeKids corner: Dads show up in force for Purdy’s Watch D.O.G.S.
Hugh McMillan
Kids corner
I’d never heard of the “Watch D.O.G.S.” before. Thanks to Kristi Rivera, assistant principal at Purdy Elementary School, I learned. Rivera, who invited me to visit the school a few days ago, told me “D.O.G.S.” stands for “Dads of Great Students.” The kids who benefit from the unique program wear T-shirts proclaiming, “My hero is a Watch D.O.G.”
The activity even has its own clever logo.
“I am so excited about this program because I have always wanted to get more dads involved in schools,” Rivera said. “Kids light up when they get to spend time with a Watch D.O.G.”
Rivera hopes more dads will realize, “we need them involved in school, too.”
I met “Watch D.O.G.” Steve Gregor, a commercial airline pilot. Watching kids react to him was intriguing. I caught him surrounded with a covey of kids enthusiastically chatting at a table. I followed him onto the playground, where he whirled a jump rope assisted by a student while another jumped rhythmically. Then he played basketball with some of the boys.
The kids were delighted.
“I like how Watch D.O.G.S. can jump over the fence and grab the soccer balls so we can keep playing,” third-grader Ben Stanford said. “Having Watch D.O.G.S. in the classroom makes learning more fun!”
Gregor got involved when Rivera and third-grade teacher Laura Holmes called a meeting of fathers to explain the program as a way to get one dad each day to participate in school activities and be a presence around the campus.
“Amazingly,” Gregor said, “a signup sheet for dads to volunteer filled up with one dad signing up for each remaining school day this year.
“My own experience participating has been nothing but positive. Students seem to really like having a dad around. Many ask whose dad you are and just stay to talk.”
Typically, Watch D.O.G. dads arrive 15 minutes prior to start of school and are given a schedule for the day. They greet arriving students and usually help out in two or three classes to interact with kids.
“I like male role models at school,” third-grader Faith Wilder said. “It is normally moms who are here and on field trips. It’s good to see dads around school!”
Classmate Aoife Duffy likes “how Watch D.O.G.S. always help us with flash cards during math time because, when we get it wrong, they let us try again.”
Amber Adams thinks it’s really good that dads have experience around school with kids, because it helps them meet their child’s friends.
“I liked when my dad came to music with me to do drums,” third-grader Nathan Paulson said. “My dad doesn’t usually come to school, so it was cool!”
“Thank you for helping us learn new things and for your time,” classmate Lauren Russell said.
Sarah Hansen thinks Watch D.O.G.S. should go to all schools, “because they can keep you safe and help you learn.”
“We ate lunch with Faith’s and Nathan’s dads,” Josh Garland said. “Dads talk about their life, and you get to know more about them. I hope we have many Watch D.O.G.S. next year, and that it will be really fun.”
Gegor said Watch D.O.G.S. roam the grounds during recess, talk or play basketball and help referee a kickball game.
“We have lunch with all the kids and get introduced during lunch,” he said. “I’ve had a great experience as a watchdog; the kids are great, and it’s been fun getting back to the school environment.
“Things that stand out? Seeing what a great job teachers do and the energy level of the kids. Every school could benefit from a Watch D.O.G. program. I think every dad who participates will certainly benefit.”
Holmes said Watch D.O.G.S. is off to a tremendous start, and she looks forward to seeing it grow at Purdy — and hopefully other schools.
“It started in the Midwest, where some dads were concerned after a school shooting and wanted to make sure their kids’ school was safe,” Holmes said. “Having more male presence around helps bring a sense of security. I read that, on average, dads spend seven minutes a week one-on-one with their children. That is not enough! It’s great when a dad can come for an entire school day!”
Second-grader Emma Davey said, “The Watch D.O.G. program is a good way for kids to spend time with their dads who work and take time off to play with their kids!”
Elysse Gregor, also a second-grader, loves having Watch D.O.G.S.
“It’s so awesome!” she said. “My friends are thankful for all the wonderful dads who come every day. ... It’s so cool having your own dad come to your school!”
Second-grader Sarah Bortel thinks Watch D.O.G.S. is a good way for kids to spend time with their parents.
“Watch D.O.G. dads do lots of fun things with us, like jump roping, playing and running,” Bortel said. “I can see why Watch D.O.G.S. stands for ‘Dads of Great Students!’ ”
Holmes said Purdy Elementary began the program on April 9 with a Dad and Child Pizza Night.
“Purdy PTA donated money for the program, and we had over 300 dads and students show up for the event,” Holmes said. “We were thrilled by the number of father figures interested in being Watch D.O.G.S.; they are fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day each year in a variety of school activities as assigned by our school.
“We would like to have even more dads be a part of our Watch D.O.G. program next year and look forward to beginning the program again next fall with a kickoff ‘Dessert with Dads’ in October.”
I’m impressed. I’d like to see Watch D.O.G.S. throughout our school district.
For more information, visit www.fathers.com or call Purdy Elementary at 253-530-4600.