Welcome to the 2024-2025 WatchDOGS year!

 

The WatchDOGS (Dads of Great Students) program is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family and community engagement organizations in the country.

 

WatchDOGS is designed and developed by educators, experts and parent volunteers over more than two decades. 

 

The program helps provide positive male role models for  students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.

 

Meanwhile, we provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying and provide a greater sense of campus safety, allowing students and teachers to focus on learning.

 

For questions, contact Derek Gaudet, WatchDOGS Chair for PTA, at watchdogs@vaughnpta.org!

 

 To be a WatchDOG and to volunteer at Vaughn for 2024-2025:

1. Become a PTA Member. Click HERE to Join PTA!

2. Complete an FISD background check. Visit: https://friscoisd.voly.org/ 

3. (Optional) Purchase an official WatchDOGS shirt to wear on campus. Click HERE to shop!

4. Sign up for available WatchDOGS time slot on Thursdays or Fridays using Sign Up Genius. https://bit.ly/VaughnWatchDOGS

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

How long does the FISD Background Check take?

 

It is typically approved within 1-2 hours, but can take 3-5 business days. 

 

I completed my Background Check last year, am I good?

 

No - you must submit a new Background Check each school year. Please submit at friscoisd.voly.org .

 

Do I *really* need to wear a WatchDOGS shirt/uniform?

 

It is highly recommended. However, we will provide a WatchDOGS lanyard for you to be easily identified by staff and students if you do not have a shirt. 

 

Can I volunteer for just half a day?

 

YES! You can choose to volunteer for a half day or do a full day. Half day shifts are from 7:30am-11:30am, or 11:30am-3:00pm. Please indicate AM or PM when signing up for a shift, and email Ms. Mitro at mitrot@friscoisd.org with this information in advance. 

  

Why are some of the dates on the Sign Up Genius blank?


There are some days on which any volunteers, including WatchDOGS, are not allowed to be on campus --  holidays, breaks, Teacher Workshops, STAAR testing, etc.

 

Any advice on choosing a date to volunteer?

 

Think about volunteering on or near your child's birthday. The first days back from Winter Break and Spring Break are popular, and the teachers and staff can use all the help possible getting the kids back into their school routine.

 

How many days should I sign up for?

 

The WatchDOGS program has a goal of every Dad/Father Figure volunteering at least one day during the school year.  You may enjoy it so much that you choose to come back again -- we welcome any day(s) you can come in!

  

Ok, I've got my Background Check completed, my WatchDOGS shirt is clean-ish, and I've signed up for a date on the Sign Up Genius - anything else?

 

Once you sign up, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have any questions you can email me (WatchDOGS@VaughnPTA.org) or text me (phone number shared in confirmation email). You can also contact Ms. Tiel at the Front Office at mitrot@friscoisd.org. 

 

Beyond that, there are some items to think through:

  • Do you need to request vacation from work?
  • You'll be eating lunch with your kiddo(s) - what are you packing for yourself?
  • Are you walking or biking or driving to school and does this change how your kiddo(s) gets picked up - make sure to notify their teacher(s) and the Front Office.
  • Plan to report at the front office no later than 7:30am.

I signed up for a day, but I need to cancel, what should I do?

 

If you can find a fellow WatchDog to fill your spot, please do! Also, please email Ms. Tiel at mitrot@friscoisd.org and me WatchDOGS@VaughnPTA.org as soon as possible to let us now. Teachers often request WatchDOGS, so we will need to let them know if you are unable to make it.

 

I heard we are not supposed to use our phones while at the school, is that true?

 

Correct - phones should not be used in the presence of a student - if you need to check email or make a call, please wait until you are on a break and away from the students.

 

When will I be able to spend time with my kiddo(s)?

 

There are a number of times during the school day you will be with your kiddo(s):

 - Early in the morning, you can stop in to say hello to them and their class.

 - During the day, when it's time to visit your child's grade, you are allowed to pull students from their class for games.

 - During lunch.

 - Possibly during recess (if you have multiple kiddos you may opt to eat lunch with each, which may conflict with recess).

 - Possibly during specials (if you have multiple kiddos you may opt to eat lunch with each, which may conflict with specials).

 

WatchDOGS is great!  I want to be more involved - is there anything more I can do?

 

Absolutely! Many times throughout the school year WatchDOGS are asked to help with random projects, etc. Please follow our social media - FACEBOOK.


And feel free to reach out to me at WatchDOGS@VaughnPTA.org to let me know your interests.

 

 

Thanks!

 

Derek Gaudet, Chair, WatchDOGS, Vaughn PTA
   WatchDOGS@vaughnpta.org
    http://dadsofgreatstudents.com/