Father-figure engagement making difference at Tahoe elementary school

KINGS BEACH, Calif. — A new father involvement program, Watch DOGS, recently launched at Kings Beach Elementary, and it is already making a positive impact at the school.

Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) is a one-of-a-kind, school-based father involvement program that works to support education and safety.

Part of a national initiative, the goals of Watch DOGS include providing positive male role models for students and providing an extra set of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

Watch DOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other father-figures who participate and volunteer at school. At Kings Beach Elementary, Watch DOGS launched as a means to increase parent involvement, thanks to funding from the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.

Parent involvement in children’s education has a huge positive impact in the lives and success of children. Study after study demonstrates that a child who has a positive adult male role model actively engaged in his or her life is twice as likely to graduate from high school and be successful.

“Watch DOGS is proving to be a great way to get dads involved at our school, and the program demonstrates the positive difference this involvement has on the lives of our students,” said KBE Principal Kyle Mohagen.

A local dad, Tristan Roberts, was named Watch DOG of the month in December for his contributions at his son’s school.

“This has been a really fun experience for me. I come to school two days per week. First, I get out with the kids at recess and kick the soccer ball around and provide other activities they may not be able to do without an extra person on campus,” he said. “Afterward, I visit a second grade class and read several books aloud to the entire class. The kids love it and it is very rewarding for me.”

Roberts, a real estate broker with cblaketahoe.com, said he knows firsthand the challenges for parents to find time in their busy work day to volunteer at school.

Still, he encourages other dads to get involved in this rewarding program.

“Even one day per week or one day per month can make a positive difference in a child’s life,” Roberts said.

This article was submitted to the Sun by the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. Visit ttusd.org to learn more.