Watch D.O.G.S.

The Dads of Great Students WATCH D.O.G.S. program is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement, organizations in the country.

WATCH D.O.G.S. is a family and community engagement educational initiative designed and developed by educators, experts and parent volunteers over more than two decades.

The program helps provide positive male role models for the 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.

To be a WatchDOG and to volunteer at Vaughn:

1. Join Vaughn PTA as a member

2. Create a FISD VOLY account and complete a background check: https://friscoisd.voly.org/

3. Purchase an official WatchDOGS t-shirt to wear while on campus!

4. Sign up for available WatchDOGS time slot on Voly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the Background Check take?

This varies, but generally I would expect 2-3 weeks, get it done as early as you can

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

No, you must submit a new Background Check each school year

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

Yes, this is a requirement - the students and staff don't always know your face, but they know the uniform

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

Dates that do not have a Volunteer Opportunity means WatchDOGS are not allowed to be on campus at that time - this could be for Holidays, Breaks, Teacher Workshops, STAAR testing, etc.

Any advice on choosing a date to volunteer?

I personally volunteer for my kiddos birthdays (or as close as I can based on availability). If this is your first time, maybe look to volunteer on a Friday, as we are allowed two WatchDOGS on Fridays and you could learn the ropes from a veteran. The first days back from Winter Break and Spring Break are popular, the teachers and staff can use all the help possible getting the kids back in sync.

How many days should I sign up for?

The WatchDOGS program has a goal of every Dad/Father Figure volunteering one day during the school year. My ask, especially for first time WatchDOGS, is to volunteer one day before Winter Break.

That sounds suspicious, what's the catch?

The catch is, once you serve, I believe you will enjoy the experience so much, that you'll immediately go looking for another date to sign up - so don't wait until the last few months, spots can fill up quickly

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 Calendar - anything else?

Once you sign up for a day 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).

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)
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 Miss Mitro at mitrot@friscoisd.org and me WatchDOGS@VaughnPTA.org as soon as possible.

I would like to sign up for a half-day, is that allowed?

No, there is an expectation of commitment for the full school day per the nationwide WatchDOGS program

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, 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 I am asked to reach out for WatchDOGS to help with random projects, etc. Generally, I will post those needs on our Facebook site, so make sure you have joined for those announcements: https://www.facebook.com/groups/508642479340572/
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/