MonticelloLive

A crowd estimated to be over 400 packed out the MIS cafeterial at the Watch D.O.G.S Pizza Night, Tuesday evening.

MIS Principal Belinda Akin welcomed everyone, and Chris Tannenbaugh from Watch D.O.G.S. organization in Springdale, addressed crowd of students, dads, and father-figures, at the event. 

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The following story posted September 16, 2008.

Monticello Intermediate School Kicks Off  WATCH D.O.G.S.® 

(Dads Of Great Students) Program
WHO: Students and fathers and father-figures of Monticello Intermediate School

WHAT: ‘Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night to kick off a new innovative father involvement program called WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students). WATCH D.O.G.S.® is the safe schools initiative of the National Center for Fathering (www.fathers.com). It was created in response to the Jonesboro, AR school shooting in 1998. Since then, the program has spread to more than 500 schools in over 25 states.

WHEN: Tonight, at 6:00 p,m,

WHERE: Monticello Intermediate School Cafeteria

WHY: Fathers and father-figures are invited to sign up to spend one day this year volunteering, serving as a positive male role model and helping increase a sense of security in the building. During their WATCH D.O.G.S.® day, dads will engage in various activities such as welcoming students during arrival, reading to classes, tutoring small groups of students, having fun at recess, or simply sitting down and connecting with students during lunch. They can share about their careers and experiences . . . the possibilities are endless!

Program benefits
• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students) can increase a sense of security at the building for students and staff, and it helps create an environment conducive to learning.
• Students gain a positive male role model. 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. More positive male role models are needed in the school setting.
• 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, just by being a ‘dad’.
• When WatchDOGS invest a day at school, they can learn how better to partner with the school to meet educational goals of students.

• FOR MORE INFORMATION:
WATCH D.O.G.S.® information: 1-888-540-3647, visit www.fathers.com/watchdogs

• Pizza Night information: Principal Belinda Akin, 870-367-4030