Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) schools partner with local businesses, nonprofits and other organizations, but perhaps the most important partners who make an impact in education are parents. The Watch D.O.G.S. program proves to be a shining example of how parent volunteers can play an active role in shaping students’ learning experiences.
Watch D.O.G.S. stands for Dads of Great Students and encourages fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and other father figures to become more actively engaged in their children’s education in QCUSD.
Silver Valley Elementary (SVE) has had the program since 2019, when the school opened. There are currently 14 Watch D.O.G.S. members at SVE and the program has grown every year.
The father figures come to campus at least once a month to help greet children during drop-off and ensure their safety. They also lend a helping hand at school dances, festivals and other events.
“I think it’s cool to see the students' faces,” said Tyler Weathers, SVE Watch D.O.G.S. coordinator. “They seem happy to see their dads on campus. Normally they don’t see many male figures on campus.”
As the program grows, PTO co-presidents Alexa Mann and Laurel Weathers hope to increase the presence of Watch D.O.G.S. at SVE and have the male role models help with drop off more often as well as volunteer on playgrounds and in the cafeteria.
“The kids love it,” Mann said. “They’re happy when they see the Watch D.O.G.S. out there, and I think the dads like it because they get to be on campus, they get to see how things work, they get to see the kids.”
To learn how you can get involved in QCUSD's Watch D.O.G.S, contact your school’s PTO.
