Hi, dads. First, let me thank you for coming to the blog and taking time out of your busy day to read this posting.
I wanted to get with all of you to go over some basic ground rules for all dads, father figures, grand-dads, and positive male role models. Generally we do this at the Pizza Night Kick-off. We did not have that this year, but next year we will.
Here is what I send out with each reminder when someone is going to be a Watch D.O.G. at Chinn. Even if you have seen it many times and read it before, please review it and then read my commentary afterwards.
Here are some tips to help you be the best Watch D.O.G. you can be:
Be approachable – smile and talk to the students. Listen to the students.
Be smart – follow the school policy on appropriate conduct and behavior with students and faculty.
Be alert – if a situation arises please report it to a school official starting with the principal – by walkie talkie if available..
Be available to be of service to the school, teachers, and students.
Be a positive role model.
You have read and agree to uphold the following:
Never use student restrooms. Always use the staff restrooms.
Never be alone with students.
Follow the school confidentiality policy regarding students and staff.
Always be visible to others.
Do not be disruptive when classes are in session.
Do not use profanity.
Do not use any form of tobacco on school grounds.
Do not share religious or political views.
Do not sell or give your official Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt to someone who is not an approved Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer.
Do not wear your Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt anywhere other than at school or at school events using Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers.
Limit personal use of cell phones and PDAs.
I don't want to cover this item by item, but will just summarize the basics.
The first thing, not in the agreement but in attitude, is to be positive. We are POSITIVE male role models not only for our children but for all of the students at Chinn. This is huge. Many of these children may not have dads or a positive male in their lives, at least not on a regular basis. This is a chance for those boys and girls to get some of that reinforcement that they so desperately need. Do not underestimate the impact we have on these young ladies and gentlemen. They will watch everything we do and listen to every word we say, even when we don't realize they are listening. Keep in mind that when we are the Watch D.O.G. dad for that day, we are on a stage. Give a great performance!
We love that dads get to spend time with their own children when they volunteer. That is a huge part of why many of us like this program so much. But also remember that we are here for the other students as well. Much of the time the students we work with will be the students that need the most help. These kids need the extra attention and work that the Watch D.O.G.S. program can afford them as students. This is our chance to shine as great examples to these kids that they do matter and that they are as important and as smart as anyone else. This is when we get to step-up show what being a Great Dad is all about.
Finally, Dads...have fun! At the end of the day, it should be one of the best days you've had that week. It should be productive, it should be fulfilling, and it should be well worth your time away from work. Since you are not at work, have fun. Enjoy the time you get to spend with your child and with his/her Panther friends. Have a blast and seize the day.
Thanks to all the dads who have or will be volunteering. Since its begining, this has been a tremendous and very well-received program at Chinn. Let's keep it going strong.
Steve
I wanted to get with all of you to go over some basic ground rules for all dads, father figures, grand-dads, and positive male role models. Generally we do this at the Pizza Night Kick-off. We did not have that this year, but next year we will.
Here is what I send out with each reminder when someone is going to be a Watch D.O.G. at Chinn. Even if you have seen it many times and read it before, please review it and then read my commentary afterwards.
Here are some tips to help you be the best Watch D.O.G. you can be:
Be approachable – smile and talk to the students. Listen to the students.
Be smart – follow the school policy on appropriate conduct and behavior with students and faculty.
Be alert – if a situation arises please report it to a school official starting with the principal – by walkie talkie if available..
Be available to be of service to the school, teachers, and students.
Be a positive role model.
You have read and agree to uphold the following:
Never use student restrooms. Always use the staff restrooms.
Never be alone with students.
Follow the school confidentiality policy regarding students and staff.
Always be visible to others.
Do not be disruptive when classes are in session.
Do not use profanity.
Do not use any form of tobacco on school grounds.
Do not share religious or political views.
Do not sell or give your official Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt to someone who is not an approved Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer.
Do not wear your Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt anywhere other than at school or at school events using Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers.
Limit personal use of cell phones and PDAs.
I don't want to cover this item by item, but will just summarize the basics.
The first thing, not in the agreement but in attitude, is to be positive. We are POSITIVE male role models not only for our children but for all of the students at Chinn. This is huge. Many of these children may not have dads or a positive male in their lives, at least not on a regular basis. This is a chance for those boys and girls to get some of that reinforcement that they so desperately need. Do not underestimate the impact we have on these young ladies and gentlemen. They will watch everything we do and listen to every word we say, even when we don't realize they are listening. Keep in mind that when we are the Watch D.O.G. dad for that day, we are on a stage. Give a great performance!
We love that dads get to spend time with their own children when they volunteer. That is a huge part of why many of us like this program so much. But also remember that we are here for the other students as well. Much of the time the students we work with will be the students that need the most help. These kids need the extra attention and work that the Watch D.O.G.S. program can afford them as students. This is our chance to shine as great examples to these kids that they do matter and that they are as important and as smart as anyone else. This is when we get to step-up show what being a Great Dad is all about.
Finally, Dads...have fun! At the end of the day, it should be one of the best days you've had that week. It should be productive, it should be fulfilling, and it should be well worth your time away from work. Since you are not at work, have fun. Enjoy the time you get to spend with your child and with his/her Panther friends. Have a blast and seize the day.
Thanks to all the dads who have or will be volunteering. Since its begining, this has been a tremendous and very well-received program at Chinn. Let's keep it going strong.
Steve
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