Noble welcomes male role models into the school day

TIFFIN, Ohio – Noble Elementary is inviting positive male role models into the school day through WATCH D.O.G.S., giving caring adults a way to support its fourth- and fifth-grade students and build stronger connections between school and home.

The school’s Sept. 30 kickoff drew about 70 male role models, with 56 signing up to volunteer.

WATCH D.O.G.S., short for Dads Of Great Students, welcomes fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors and other influential male figures in children’s lives. The national program encourages participants to volunteer for at least one full school day each year.

A volunteer day may include reading with children, practicing classroom skills under a teacher’s guidance or joining students at lunch and recess. Participants can spend time with their own student and others throughout the school, giving more children a chance to interact with an encouraging adult.

Noble Principal Mike Newlove said he hopes the program encourages influential male figures to take an active role in students’ education by “demonstrating that they care about their success and want to help them achieve the best possible future through education.”

Noble Principal Mike Newlove speaks to volunteers during the WATCH D.O.G.S. kickoff on Sept. 30.

“By seeing positive male role models investing time on their campus, students gain a visible reminder that education is highly valuable,” said Jacob Elchert, wraparound coordinator for the Seneca County Family and Children First Council (FCFC).

For volunteers, Elchert said the experience offers a closer look at students’ daily lives and the academic and social pressures they face. He hopes that understanding will strengthen relationships at home and encourage more male role models to become involved in young people’s education.

Elchert also sees an opportunity to support the school as a whole. Additional adults can provide an extra set of eyes and ears, with the goal of helping discourage bullying and supporting a positive learning environment. He said the initiative aims to give students a stronger sense of support and security while helping staff maintain a setting where children can focus on learning.

FCFC covered the program’s costs through a Responsible Fatherhood Initiative grant. The partnership brings together the council’s funding and coordination with Noble’s work to engage families in students’ education.

The local effort uses the name Intentional Fatherhood to recognize the different family relationships and support systems in children’s lives. Elchert said grandparents, uncles, mentors and other men who step up for young people deserve recognition and opportunities to participate.

FCFC Director Sandy Hallett-Berkey wrote and oversees the grant, while program assistant Becky Miller manages purchases and expenses. Elchert organizes local Intentional Fatherhood programming, and Bekah Combs coordinates WATCH D.O.G.S. for Tiffin City Schools.

“It truly was amazing to see the turnout at the program opening. We were all honored to be part of it,” Elchert said.

How to get involved

Families and potential volunteers can call Noble Elementary at 419-447-1566 to learn more or get involved. A brief introductory presentation is required before volunteering, and those who missed the kickoff are still welcome to join.