Fathers Looking for Like-Minded Dads
Nicky Vallee
Reader Submitted
Christian Schools of the Desert is hosting its annual recruitment night for the schools' Watch D.O.G.S. Program on Wednesday, September 24th, at 6:00 p.m., at the CSOD campus, located at 40-700 Yucca Lane, in Bermuda Dunes.
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 for the nation's schools. CSOD father Greg Solis was instrumental in bringing the program to CSOD last year, and there are now 130 fathers mentoring CSOD students.
“Moms have traditionally been the parent on campus,” says Solis. “You didn't usually see Dad unless there was somebody in trouble, but we are really starting to change that. Our Dads are having an absolute blast with this program, and I believe that we're just scratching the surface with its potential.”
Solis says that in addition to those already signed up for the program, there are close to 100 other fathers who have expressed interest in joining the Watch D.O.G.S. team.
“I really enjoy participating in this,” says parent Gordon Alward. “Last year, I chose to spend my birthday on campus with my daughter and her classmates, and it was one of the most memorable I've ever had. Children truly need mentors, and this program provides that opportunity for all CSOD students, even those who don't have fathers at home.”
Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer to serve at least one day each year in a variety of school activities, as assigned by the school principal or other administrator.
“We had dads, grandfathers, uncles, etc. on our campus almost every day last year, helping in classrooms, playing with students on the playground, assisting with traffic control and being our extra sets of eyes and ears on campus,” says Principal Donna Ferris. “I believe all of our dads who participated on their assigned days had a good time, and of course, each student loves having his/her dad spend a day at school.”
Prospective Watch D.O.G.S. will watch a short video about the program, and Solis will answer questions, with the schools providing pizza and raffle prizes for those who attend.
For more information on the CSOD Watch D.O.G.S. program, call 345-2848 or go to www.csod.org.
