Theresa Dardanell
The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program at Thurmont Elementary School kicked off a new year with a pizza party on September 28, 2016. Lots of dads with their children attended the event to learn about the program, to enjoy some time together, and, of course, to eat pizza!
Watch D.O.G.S. is a national program with the goal of providing positive male role models for students in schools, in addition to also providing extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, step-dads, and adult brothers are invited to volunteer for at least one day a year in their child’s school, but many of the men sign up for more days. They enjoy spending time with their children and recognize the need for the program.
Rich Tatum, coordinator of the program at Thurmont Elementary, has the title “TOP DOG”. He works with the school administration to provide schedules for the volunteers. A typical day for a WatchDOG starts with assisting students arriving at school. Mornings and afternoons are usually spent working with students in different classes. This might include working with flashcards or educational games, reading with students, working with small groups, or just helping the teacher. Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers help in the cafeteria and get to eat lunch with the students. Recess on the playground or in the gym is probably the most fun.
Mike Miller, a WatchDOG dad, said that he enjoyed spending time with his daughter and that the program helps students feel safer.
Maddi Tatum, who is now a student at Thurmont Middle School, said that her father was a WatchDOG dad while she was at Thurmont Elementary. She and her dad had fun at recess, and she liked being able to eat lunch with him. She was proud to tell her friends all about her father.
The Watch D.O.G.S. program at Thurmont Elementary Schools is sponsored by the PTA, in cooperation with the school. According to Rich Tatum, there are three winners because of Watch D.O.G.S.: the school, the students, and the dads! If you would like to be a WatchDOG dad, call Thurmont Elementary School at 240-236-0900.
For more information about starting a Watch D.O.G.S. program at your child’s school, visit the website www.fathers.com/watchdogs.
Pictured from left are Christina McKeever, Thurmont Elementary School principal; Mike Miller, WatchDOG dad; Erin Miller; Emily Tatum; and Rich Tatum, TOPDOG.
