Dads volunteering in our schools and a special recognition for one long-time volunteer

As you know, I’ve been sharing some stories about the impact volunteers have at our schools on my blog this week in celebration of National Volunteer Week. Today, I want to tell you about a really interesting program at several district schools called Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students).

The National Center for Fathering has an initiative promoting the involvement of dads at school, helping foster positive male role models for students within the school setting. Watch D.O.G.S. dads spend time in their children’s schools performing a variety of roles, including welcoming kids to school in the morning to mentoring students. Gerry Lee, our board president, has been a Watch D.O.G.S. dad at Wilder Elementary.

Also, congratulations to Edna Arbeitman, a volunteer at Field Elementary for receiving the Silent Hero award. For 14 years, Edna has been a volunteer at the school, working full-time in the office. The Silent Hero award was developed by Ralph Slavens, a former legislator, and was designed to recognize individuals who are involved in the community, give of their time and contribute in numerous ways without public recognition of their efforts. Field held a ceremony in Edna’s honor last Friday.