WATCH D.O.G.S.^® (Dads Of Great Students) is the safe school initiative of the National Center for Fathering that involves fathers and father figures to help create a more safe and secure learning environment in our nation's schools.

At Nike, our highly valued Watch D.O.G.S include fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers and uncles of our students who volunteer to spend at least one day a year in our building welcoming students in the morning, working with individual or small groups of students within the classrooms, participating in recess activities, assisting in the cafeteria, eating lunch with their child and providing many high-fives to our students at the end of their day. 

In 2007-08, over 73% of the Watch D.O.G.S. who volunteered in our school for the first time requested to be scheduled for at least one more day.  100% of our Nike Watch D.O.G.S. surveyed marked, agree or strongly agree that they would recommend participation in this program to other fathers and father figures!  

As parents and as educators, we encourage our children to surround themselves with positive role models.  Each one of our volunteer  Watch D.O.G.S. serve  as  yet another positive adult with whom our students can interact and learn within their school day.    

If you would like to find out more about this program or to become one of our important WATCH D.O.G.S. Heroes, please contact Counselor Amanda Ritter at rittera@usd231.com or call 913-856-3050.