Story by Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Spring Mills Primary School hosted a Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) event on Tuesday, where fathers came to learn about the program and get involved in the school.
Watch DOGS is a national program established in 1998. Through the program, fathers volunteer to help during school to provide more security and be a positive role model for students.
Josh Hykes, Watch DOGS coordinator and parent liaison for the area, brought the program to Spring Mills Primary School around six years ago. When he first moved to West Virginia from Maryland, Hykes wanted to get involved with the schools to help support his kids and other students in the area. He joined the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) but quickly noticed that there weren’t many other dads getting involved in the school.
“I would go to these meetings and conferences, and I would be one of the only dads that showed up,” Hykes said. “During one of the conferences, I learned about Watch DOGS and thought, ‘That’s it. That’s what I’m looking for.’”
Hykes worked with Spring Mills Primary School computer teacher Keyonda Dudrow and Stacy Alt, library media specialist, to bring the program to the school. Though last year, it only had 24 dads attend, this year, a total of 94 came out to join the program.
“It brings a tear to my eye that so many other dads see the importance of being involved,” Hykes said. “I’m happy to see that dads want to show kids the importance of education.”
During the meeting, attendees listened to a short video and presentation about what Watch DOGS is all about and what is expected of them if they choose to volunteer. Then, all the dads were invited to sign up for a day during the school year to spend at the school.
Throughout the day, they help with classes, enhance school security, help reduce bullying and spend time with the students. Each volunteer also receives a Watch DOGS T-shirt to help teachers and staff easily identify them during their visit.
“I love seeing all the kids’ smiling faces whenever I come to the school,” Hykes said. “Just being known by the kids puts a smile on my face. Volunteering and giving back to my community is one of my passions, and this is one way I can foster that in children.”
Hykes also coordinates Watch DOGS at Potomack Intermediate School. He is excited to see how the program will continue to grow in the future as more dads get involved.
For more information about the program, visit https://dadsofgreatstudents.com.