Watch D.O.G.S. Program brings more male influences to school

Venture Elementary welcomes dads, and other male influences, to the school every Wednesday.

Principal Jay Swatek brought the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) to the school this fall after attending a conference this summer. 

“We do surveys of our staff, of our families, of our students and there was some feedback in those surveys that said can we get into the building a little bit more and have some more influence on our kids in a positive way,” Swatek said. “This program was a way to maybe meet some of that feedback.”

First grade teacher Lisa Olson has had about half a dozen Watch D.O.G.S. in her classroom this fall. She said they have helped students with different centers/rotations like worksheets, flash cards and other learning materials. They have listened to students read books to them and played learning games with them.

“The students love having someone new in the room and seem to work extra hard to impress them. I can tell the students enjoy showing the Watch D.O.G.S. the skills they are learning,” Olson said.

Dennis Wilken was one of the dads who has helped in Olson’s classroom. He participated for the first time this month. He wanted to participate to see the perspective from the teachers and students’ side of what goes on at school.

“You hear what your student says at home, but especially in first grade, it can be quite a different point of view,” Wilken said.

Justin Henderson’s son, Maximus, is in second grade at Venture. He has come into the school as part of the program three times. He participates because he found value in the program.

“I love my son and thought this program is very important. I think it definitely strengthens my relationship with my son and his friends,” Henderson said. “It’s important to have more male influence during the day in the form of, hopefully, a strong and positive impact on these kids so they remember.”

Henderson said it’s cool to see them outside of school and be recognized. Through Watch D.O.G.S., he helps the teachers with extra activities and eases their day a little. 

Since he owns his own business and has more flexibility, Henderson plans to go as much as he can.

“The other dads I’ve met there are all very good men and know why they are there. I would encourage any male parent or relative to join,” Henderson said. “It’s a great way to get to know all of your child’s friends and see what they do all day.”

Every Wednesday morning, those adult males who have signed up to come and who had the background check done, check in at the office and get their shirt for the day then head to their child’s classroom. They will start and end the day with their child and have lunch and recess together in the middle of the day. The other parts of the day they help in different classrooms or with the school’s reward store.

The program has been good so far and Swatek looks forward to the formal feedback they will receive at the end of the year. Swatek likes that the program intentionally gets more men into the school.

“It’s harder to get males into the school. Moms are more than willing to come eat lunch and volunteer in the classroom and help with parties,” Swatek said. “Fathers have a different outlook on it. Every dad has their different way.”