Empowering Education: Hayes Elementary School's Watch D.O.G.S. Program Fosters Parental Engagement and Campus Safety
Hayes Elementary School in Katy ISD is embracing the power of parental engagement in education through the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program. Established in 1998, Watch D.O.G.S. is one of the nation's largest and most respected school-based, family and community engagement organizations. The program is centered in the belief that the presence of positive male role models can significantly enhance a child's educational experience, emphasizing the importance of education while serving as extra eyes and ears to boost campus safety.
Watch D.O.G.S. invites fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures to volunteer at least one day during the school year under the leadership of a program coordinator and the guidance of a school principal or designated administrator. This unique approach addresses a statistically recognized gap in campus volunteering, harnessing the potential of caregivers and guardians who are typically less likely to volunteer on campus.
The program is not new to receiving accolades for its impact. It has been recognized by the United States Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the President’s Advisory Council. Furthermore, the program has become a prominent figure in the U.S. Department of Education’s Partnership For Family Involvement In Education and the Department’s Safe School Summit.
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At Hayes Elementary in Katy ISD, the journey begins with the JHE kick-off event held at the start of each school year. Volunteer fathers are asked to purchase a JHE spirit shirt or official Watch D.O.G.S. attire, showcasing their commitment when they volunteer on campus. The kick-off event is followed by a sign-up opportunity via the campus eNews, where dads can choose their volunteer date.
Assistant Principal and Watch D.O.G.S. Liaison, Sara Hernandez, is the main point of contact for the program at Hayes Elementary. With millions of volunteers already having served in thousands of schools across America, the Watch D.O.G.S. program continues to prove that positive role models and improved security can contribute significantly to better outcomes for students. For more information or inquiries, contact Sara Hernandez at 281-237-3200 or SaraLHernandez@katyisd.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
