Interested in volunteering with the WatchDOGS?

Step 1: Complete the LISD Volunteer Application, click here.

Step 2: Contact Mr. Grace (marc.grace@leanderisd.org ) to coordinate the next steps. Note - it may take a few days to get a response, please be patient! 

Step 3: Check out the WatchDOGS website to learn more about the program. 

Step 4: If you'd like to purchase a t-shirt, shop here

ALL ABOUT OUR WATCH D.O.G.S PROGRAM

WATCH D.O.G.S. is a national innovative program focusing on the prevention of violence in our children's schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures for a two-fold purpose: (1) to provide an unobtrusive fathering presence in schools, and (2) to be a positive and active role-model for students at their school. 

WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® is a non-profit organization which began in 1998 by Jim Moore, immediately after the Jonesboro, Arkansas, middle school shooting tragedy. WATCH D.O.G.S. operates for the objective as stated in its motto: To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Who are WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students)?

WatchDOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father-figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S. school. During the day, WatchDOGS may read and work on flash cards with kids, play at recess, eat lunch with their child, watch the school entrances and hallways, assist with traffic flow, mentor students, and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their child(ren), but other students as well. Their mere presence offers additional security at the school during the day! On the day of their participation, the participants are given a brief review of their involvement and they wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® t-shirt or vest identifying them as WatchDOGS.

Program benefits

The benefits of the program are many, according to WATCH D.O.G.S. Founder Jim Moore.

• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father-figure enhances a sense of security at the building for students and staff and helps create an environment conducive to learning.
• Students gain a positive male role model. Many students do not have a father-figure present in their home and these students benefit when a positive male role model is present.
• Fathers get a glimpse of their child's everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today's youth are facing. As a result, they can learn to relate better to their child and hopefully connect with them.
• Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their childs life in three critical areas including: academic performance, self esteem, social behavior.

Program goals

WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® strives to:

• Raise the banner of positive fathering through the forum of schools across America and the world.
• Awaken fathers to the values and benefits of committed fathering.
• Change culture by where every child has a father or father-figure to connect with in a positive way at school.
• Help every school in America be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their children's life.