Studies by the U.S. Department of Education have demonstrated that a positive adult male role model will have a positive impact on the educational success of a child.

Luckily, there are many who recognize this fact and are taking steps to boost father support.

The national Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program aims to increase male involvement in schools by encouraging them to volunteer at least one day in their child’s school.

Several schools throughout the district have implemented the Watch D.O.G.S. program as a means of increasing the presence of adult male exemplars. Last week, Dads, granddads, stepdads, and other father figures turned out in droves to Morningside Elementary for the school’s own Watch D.O.G.S. kick off.

The high level of participation was a welcome sight to Morningside administration and PTA, who fortunately had enough food for all attendees.

“We thought we overestimated with the pizzas,” said principal Tod Cracroft. “This amount of participation is incredible.”

During the school year, father figures from all across the district will work along side educators to help as crossing guards, hallway monitors, library assistants, lunchroom helpers, tutors, and playground coaches.