Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tim Donowski shared with the club an organization that he loves to be a part of, and it was clear that his message resonated with many of the Rotarians in attendance. Historically, moms are the primary parent in charge of the education of the children, and dads take a backseat. Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a father involvement program that started in the late 90’s to engage more fathers and now is in over 2800 schools. 

Tim showed a clip from the Today Show highlighting a few of the fathers and their children that partake in Watch D.O.G.S. The heartfelt interviews really brought it to life. Each of the dads were grinning ear to ear when they talked about their roles at their kids schools. When the kids were interviewed, they consistently referred back to how important they felt. One girl said that before the program, she thought that her dad didn’t love her, and he agreed that he hadn’t always been the best dad. After watching the video, it would be hard to find any dad who wouldn’t love to get involved. 

However, a lot of dads don’t have the ability to take off a whole day and spend it at school. Tim couldn’t when he first heard about Watch D.O.G.S.. But when he found himself in a “mid-life retirement,” he took the extra time on his hands, and started a program for schools in Batavia. 

He first went to Hoover Wood School in January 2013 and they really liked the idea. When Tim started his first day at school, he was actually nervous, but the kids loved him. Not only were his kids happy, but a few of the other students really latched on to him. He was surprised at how many come from fatherless homes. Being involved was so great, that he has gone back quite a few times, and was even going over after the Rotary meeting. 

JB Nelson is starting their program in 2014 and if anyone wants to participate or start a program at another school, Tim will gladly help.