Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students)
Submitted by: Kevin Chertkow

My two oldest children came home from school a couple of months ago with a load of papers as usual. Just before I started thumbing through it, they were sure to point out a school event that they were really excited about. As they slipped the paper into my hands, I was only able to read the heading of the paper which read "Donuts with Dad" and glance at the big dog-head logo which read "Watch D.O.G.S." before they started to explain with excitement that I get to go to school with them and eat doughnuts.

Now, my first initial thought was, "How much it's going to cost me?" Not fully understanding what I was agreeing to, I told them I'd go. There was no way I could feel good about myself if I tried to come up with an excuse after they did such a great job of selling their enthusiasm. Putting the paper down, I admit I never really read it. All I got out of it was the logo, Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students). The logo alone told me I had to show my kids my support and pride for them being great students.

Doughnut day came and the kids and I walked in to the busy hall. It was almost overwhelming with dads and children chatting, laughing and carrying on over doughnuts, juice and coffee. Everyone was very inviting and helpful; showing us where to go, shaking hands and introducing themselves. As the kids ate, I walked to the information table to find out what this Watch D.O.G.S. was all about. They told me that I get to volunteer a day to be with my kids while assisting the teachers, students and staff in the daily activities. Not exactly sure what that entailed, but I thought it would say a lot to my kids that I really support their efforts in school. It would be a huge gesture to display how truly proud I am of them.

I bought my Watch D.O.G.S. polo shirt with the cool dog-head logo and made my way to the large calendars on the wall. Trying to find an available day on which to stick my name tag amongst all the other dads' names was a challenge, but I finally found a day that was available and one were I wasn't going to be at work anyway. As we were saying our goodbyes, my daughter asked with a proud smile, "Are you really going to be a Watch D.O.G.S. and come to school with me?" I smiled back and said, "I sure am."

Later that night I went to the wwww (Wonderful World Wide Web) to learn more about the Watch D.O.G.S. safe school initiative and for what I just signed up. Right off the bat, I liked the first thing I read: "WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and to enhance school security. " Probing further, I discovered from www.fathers.com that:

"WATCH D.O.G.S. is the father involvement initiative of the NATIONAL CENTER FOR FATHERING that was founded by Jim Moore, a concerned father who chose to take action in response to a 1998 middle-school shooting in Jonesboro, AR. Moore wanted to help prevent violence from occurring at his children's school or at any school. The first program was launched at George Elementary in Springdale, AR, the school of Moore's oldest child. Today, more than 1,559 programs in 38 states and New Zealand participate in WATCH D.O.G.S."

All the information was every encouraging and affected teachers, schools and children in very positive ways.

My day as a Watch D.O.G.S. was just around the corner and my children impatiently waited for my day to come. They had seen many other Watch D.O.G.S. dads at school and they couldn't wait to be able to show off their dad to their friends. Finally my day came and I had no idea what to expect but as I went to bed, I have to admit I was energized that my kids were so happy that I was going to be at school with them.

As we drove to school, I was proudly wearing my Watch D.O.G.S. shirt ready to start my adventure. When we arrived there were two other Watch D.O.G.S. dad volunteers and we all were pleased that our day was one of the first warm sunny days of spring. We received our scheduled duties and were off.

We spent the first part of the morning greeting parents and helping children get out of cars as they were routinely dropped off and made their way to their classes. When class started, we got a full tour of the campus, school rules and expectations. As I patrolled the campus, I was pleasantly surprised how structured everything was as the children lined up and snaked the walkways like little quiet ducklings moving from class to class. Doing my best not to interrupt their normal procedures, some children would sneak a smile and wave to us dads on patrol. Every now again there was a straggler trying to catch up to their class, and would catch themselves from running when they saw our badged shirt.

Recess rolled around and we made our way to the playground to keep an eye on things. I forgot what recess was like until I saw the faces of freedom as the youngsters hit the graveled area racing for the swings and slides. The children would crowd around us dads asking all sorts of off the wall questions and tell us all sorts of stories. When my daughter's class rounded the corner for their turn on the play ground her face lit up and I got a big hug as she introduced me to all her friends.

Before I was scheduled to help assist in the lunch room, I was scheduled to visit my son's class, however, they were testing so that didn't work out, but I was able to sit with him during lunch. Then it was off to my daughter's kindergarten class to read a couple of Dr. Seuss books. I think that was the best part of my day. I read books to my kids all the time, so I used the same tactics I use with them to make it fun, entertaining and interactive. After eating lunch with her and her class, we finished off the day watching over the lunch room, walking the campus, and monitoring the older kids' recess until the end of school. As the teachers and kids excitedly made their way to the busses and car rider areas, there were smiles and high-fives from all the kids. I'd like to think we were praising them for a being great students, but I think they were actually praising us for being part of their day.

Reflecting back on the day, there were so many great things that came about, but what I realized more than anything was how little I really knew about the school my children attend. Other than the normal parent teacher conferences, school performances, dropping off or picking up, I haven't had any real reason to be at their school during normal school hours. I feel a little ashamed I had no idea what the children and other teachers were like, how the structure was, or even for what some of the areas of the campus were used. I really feel good about my child's school and the education they are receiving. I am also excited that my third oldest will be starting kindergarten here next year.

At our school there are over 900 students. I can see why the teachers and staff enjoy having the extra added hands around to assist whenever or wherever we can. I'm also glad to hear that they are finding new ways to incorporate us Watch D.O.G.S. into other school events, activities and programs for the added support. Overall, it had been one of the most enjoyable days off I've had.