The end of the 1st year

As of Friday, Mr. Brian Biggs, will finish out the year as our final Watch D.O.G. dad for the '08-'09 school year. Thanks to Brian and all of the dads who "lined-up, signed-up, and showed up" to be positive male role models at Chinn Elementary.

When we first started talking about the program and what our expectations were going into the what was left of the school year we honestly believed if we could get 20 to 25 dads to volunteer we would be doing well. Dads.... you, obviously, have far exceeded our expectations and have continued to surpass all of our original goals. With 45 spots to fill on our calendar at our pizza kick-off back in February we ended that Thursday evening with no less than 33 names on the calendar and many more coming in the following days. By the time it was said and done we had just about every day covered and even had 2 dads working as Watch D.O.G.S. on some days.

We are looking forward to going into the next school year! We will have more time, and I'm sure more dads, to work with. Through out this year we have been talking and listienting to many of the dads who have gone through a day at Chinn. With this open communication we have been able to make adjustments both large and small. We are continuing to make adjustments as we go into another exciting year. Between the online surveys the dads take at the end of the day and the conversations that Mr. Fitzmorris, Mrs. Greim, and myself have been able to have we continue to strive and make this the best program possible.

Have a great time this summer! We will see everyone for another great and successful year.

Thanks again dads for all of your time and hard work to make this such an incredible 1st year. Thanks also to Mr. Fitzmorris, Mrs. Greim, Janet Johnson, Gwen Brown, and the entire teaching staff for making all of this possible, working with me and the dads, and just plain doing the incredible things you all do when working with our children every single day.

Steve Nokes