LISBON — A Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, to kick off a new innovative father involvement program called WATCHD.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students), at Lisbon Community School, 14 Mill St.
The program is an initiative of the National Center For Fathering. Inspired by one father’s desire to increase male involvement in his children’s school and with the help of the school’s teachers and administration, WATCH D.O.G.S was created in 1998 at George Elementary in Springdale, Ark. Since then, the program has spread to more than 2,659 schools in more than 46 states and other countries.
Studies by the U.S. Department of Education have demonstrated that a positive adult male role model will have a uniquely positive impact on the development and educational success of a child.
Each school year thousands of men volunteer to work at least one day in their child’s school through the program. These men work alongside the educators to help as crossing guards, car/bus rider facilitators, hallway monitors, library assistants, lunchroom helpers, classroom and homework tutors and playground/gymnasium coaches.
Students gain a positive male role model while schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. Some students do not have a father-figure present in their home and the number of male teachers has been steadily declining in recent years.
Fathers and father-figures can spend meaningful time with their students in the school setting and gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their student’s life.
For more information on the program call 1-888-540-3647, email watchdogs@fathers.com or visit www.fathers.com/watchdogs. For Pizza Night information call Principal Carlene Iverson at 207-353-4132.
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