Tonight was my second Watch DOGS meeting, and it was titled Donuts with Dad. All the fathers (and father figures) who had already been Watch DOGS or who have signed up to be, were invited to come in with their student(s) and have some donuts. This was also another recruitment meeting where interested fathers could learn more about the program and hear from others of us who had already participated to learn more about the program. It was a nice time, and of course, Kylie loved having the donuts. I’m still not sure if I am going to be able to be a Watch DOG another day this year, but I would like to do it again at some point. I know Kylie really enjoyed having me there last time as well.

Today I got to surprise Kylie by showing up at her house bright and early to pick her up for school, because today was my day to be a Watch DOG! Kylie had no idea that I was going to be a Watch DOG today, so when she came out from brushing her teeth to see me standing in the living room with my Watch DOG shirt on, she was very surprised, and that made for a great start to an awesome day!

When we got to her school we went to the office in order for me to sign in and get my schedule and an introduction to the program. Then, once that was complete, I got to join Kylie in the library to participate in the morning announcements. The announcements are televised throughout the school and Kylie got to introduce me as the Days Watch DOG, and she was very excited to be able to participate in the announcements. After the announcements we had our picture taken together to place on the schools Watch DOG hall of fame board, then the day began.

After that my day consisted of moving from one assigned class to another, starting and ending with Kylie’s class. While I was in these classrooms I helped out in whatever way the teacher needed. This ranged from helping students with their work, to taking a few students at a time out into the hall to work on individual lessons. I also helped out during all of the lunch sessions; helping kids open their containers or getting them additional milks, and coordinating the different shifts of students coming in to eat.

During the day I got a lot of high-fives and hugs from the kids, who all seemed to be really excited to have a Watch DOG in their class or even just passing them by in the hall. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to provide some feedback on the program along with any ideas or suggestions I had on making improvements. This was a very exciting and fun filled day. I am not sure if I will be able to take another day to participate in the program again this year, but if the opportunity presents itself I will be sure to jump at the opportunity as it was a great experience!