Sponsorship and Continued Support:

Our Watch D.O.G.S. "uniform" and program sponsor is The Tim Pierson Home Sales Team. Their generous donation is funding the Watch D.O.G.s Program @ 100% this year!  We will still have children's Watch D.O.G shirts available for purchase.

Inquiries:  

Send an email to watchdogs@wolftrappta.org for more information.

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Why is the Watch D.O.G.S program targeted to men?

1. While approximately half of students are male, their teachers, educators, and volunteers are overwhelmingly female. Men are underrepresented in school settings, particularly elementary schools. This program was created to increase the participation of men in student’s lives and demonstrate through their participation that education, volunteering, and community involvement is important and valuable.
2. Although not every Wolftrap family has a father living in the household, most families have a father figure who can enjoy this opportunity. The Watch D.O.G.S. program is encouraging and clear that fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and close father figures are all welcome to participate with a student. 
3. Women currently fulfill the majority of volunteer needs at Wolftrap ES. Numerous opportunities exist for both men and women to participate in their children’s educational lives, however most roles are fulfilled by women. This program was created specifically to increase the engagement of men in schools and has been found to be exceptionally effective in engaging men who previously did not participate in the schools. 
4. Our greatest consideration for all the programs supported at Wolftrap should be the value the program brings to students and faculty, more so than what the parents seek to gain by participating. Even though there are special perks given to the Watchdog volunteers, the students reap the most benefits from this special experience. This is particularly true for boy students, who have the opportunity to see a fun and valued additional male figure and look forward to interacting with them.

Program Goals:

1. To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
2. To increase the number of male role models in schools where men are underrepresented.
3. To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

Program Benefits: 

• By taking time to come to campus and serve the students and teachers, father figures demonstrate that education is important. 
• Schools receive additional support in areas of need (helping during lunch, extra eyes at the playground, extra eyes looking for hazards on school property)
• Reported decrease in bullying when Watch D.O.G.S are present. 
• Increased engagement of fathers and father figures in their children’s lives.
• Increased awareness of fathers about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today’s youth are facing. Through participating, fathers can see how their students interact with friends and teachers and hopefully help them in new and creative ways.
• A male role model can positively impact a student’s life in three critical areas: academic performance, self-esteem, social behavior.