"It was a struggle for the first several years, but before COVID, we were close to having 100 dads involved in the program," Varner teacher Tony Tesmer recalled about the WATCH D.O.G.S. program at his school. "Once we restarted in 2022, I called in some of the veteran dads to help recruit, and it's been getting stronger ever since."
While Varner Elementary is not the only school in Cobb with a WATCH D.O.G.S. program, it is by far the most supported. More than 200 dads showed up for this year's open house and orientation, and more join each month.
WATCH D.O.G.S.—or Dads Of Great Students—is a national program based in Dallas, Texas. It encourages father figures to join and participate in the school day. Watch D.O.G.S. engage in all sorts of activities such as PE, Art, Music, STEM & Innovation, recess, reading to students, monitoring the hallway, lunch, and whatever else is needed.
At Varner, the WATCH D.O.G.S. have painted and provided new lighting for the front office and teacher's lounge, installed a massive landscaping remodel at the front of the building, and helped set up and lent a hand at many special events in the evening. Students at Varner have come to view the D.O.G.S. as part of their school.
"Their presence makes a difference for all the students here," said Javonda Harrison, PTA President and appreciative mom at Varner. "The impact they have on students is so great. They're all running up to them when they see the dads in the halls and hugging them. Having the WATCH D.O.G.S. here communicates to the children that they are valued and important."
Statistically, elementary schools are largely administered and taught by women. Research has shown that an increase in male presence helps students feel safe and leads to better academic performance.
"It's bringing back community. It's as simple as that," said L.B. Harrison, a two-year veteran of the WATCH D.O.G.S. "We're here to support and spend time with our own kids, but we're really here for the entire school. We support Principal Singletary and the teachers in any way we can."
Mr. Tesmer and Principal Althea Singletary came to Varner at the same time, in 2014. Noticing some WATCH D.O.G.S. material in an office at the school and having previous experience with the program in Paulding County, Mr. Tesmer jumped in and helped coordinate and direct Varner's program.
"Varner is a family. The program works so well here because we all work together so well. In reality, WATCH D.O.G.S. is not an add-on; it is a natural outgrowth of what we already have. Varner families—students and parents—are involved and active in our school and all that we do. We are connected together, and that's what makes this school such a strong force," Principal Singletary explained.
The program's Lead D.O.G, or D.O.G. Father, is Drexel Cook. He has been involved with the program since its beginning when his daughter—now a senior—was an elementary student at Varner. While he has a son in third grade at the school, his commitment to the WATCH D.O.G.S program goes much deeper than how it benefits his own children.
"It's not just about my kids, but also for all the other kids," Drexel said about his decade-long involvement at Varner. "Not every student has a male figure, or their dad can't come to the school for a variety of reasons. It's so vital for those that can to be here and make connections with as many kids as possible."
"It's a partnership between admin, teachers, PTA, parents, students—the whole community. It's mind-blowing. Until you see it, you can't really understand it. Usually, it's difficult to get parents—especially dads—involved, but Varner doesn't have that. It just works here," L.B. added.
"It takes a lot of work and organization, but we are proof that you can have it all. We have great teachers, great administrators, great PTA, great moms, AND great dads! There's nothing this school can't do, and that's a credit to this community," Mr. Tesmer said in conclusion about his extended Varner family.
