Bigfork launches Watch D.O.G.S program

Calling all Bigfork fathers and father-figures: A national program is launching at Bigfork Elementary to increase positive male role model involvement.

Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) will kick off with a Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night at to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the elementary cafeteria.

This program is not just for dads — uncles, grandfathers, neighbors and friends are invited to attend this free event with students to learn more about the program.

Men who want to participate in the program may sign up to volunteer at the school as many days as they wish during the year said Bigfork Elementary Principal Brenda Clarke. Watch D.O.G.S will serve in a variety of roles alongside educators.

“They will be working with students in classrooms and supervising lunch and recess with teachers and paraprofessionals,” Clarke said.

In addition to students interacting with positive male role models at school, another primary goal of the program is to provide “extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying” according to dadsofgreatstudents.com.