Father Involvement @North Butler Elementary

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 2:07pm — John Embry

Watch D.O.G.S Program being implemented.

A new program known as Watch D.O.G.S is being implemented at North Butler Elementary. Watch D.O.G.S is a one of a kind, school based father involvement program that works to support education and safety. The program was recommended to the NBES principal by a school board members Debbie Hammers and Amy Hood. Hammers and Hood saw an overview at a training this past fall. “After hearing about the program I took time to read about it, then participate in a webinar course online. After learning more about the program and its affordability there was no doubt in my mind that it would be of great benefit to our school culture.” Said Principal Josh Belcher. “I think anything we can do to make fathers feel more comfortable spending time at our school is worthwhile. We have an abundance of tremendous days, but we also have so many children that need positive male role models in their lives. Traditionally, there are so few males in an elementary setting; this program provides a way to get more males in the building. We will use the dads to provide instructional help, do safety checks around campus, monitor lunch room and just be mentors to students. I believe the dads will absolutely love being here, the kids will undoubtedly treat them like the Rock Stars they are!

Kickoff Event a Huge Success
The Watch D.O.G.S kickoff event was on Tuesday, March 1st at the NBES Cafeteria. 76 dads and their children filled the NBES cafeteria to eat pizza, do fun activities, and socialize before hearing a program overview. The event was organized by FRYSC coordinator Brandie Smith along with NBES PTO providing help with serving the guest. Before the night was complete 25 dads chose to enroll, fill out a background check and schedule a day to volunteer to be a Watch D.O.G!

Students wrote praises about their dads and pasted it to the “POP”eroni Pizza.