Devoted Dads Assist Snellville School

Andre Mesidor is one of those fathers who just doesn't get it. He doesn't understand how any father could sit by idly and not be involved in his children's lives -- in school, at home, or wherever.

It's something that he should be doing, and anything short of that is irresponsible, he believes. That's why he and group of fathers like him decided to join an effort at to be visible, influential role models.

Mesidor, 37, is part of the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program. The school brought the national program in to show students that men are and can be positive forces in their lives.

"I'm very involved in my kids' lives," Mesidor said. "I think we need to step to the plate and make ourselves available for the kids."

At Anderson-Livsey Elementary school officials have placed a great among of the focus on African-American males. In general, there are fewer men working inside schools, and even fewer African-American males, school officials said.

"When parents are involved, student achievement goes up," said principal,

Right now, there are about 40 fathers involved in the program, said Darren Boyce, the school’s parent instructional support coordinator. The fathers involved are dedicated, and many come back a couple of times throughout a day depending on their schedules, Boyce said.

But, Boyce added, he is hoping to recruit even more fathers. His main overall goal is to increase parental involvement of all parents.

Throughout each school day fathers arrive at the school to volunteer. Work usually includes helping inside classrooms, sitting with student during lunch or helping to monitor hallways. Boyce said the men "are an extra set of eyes and ears to make sure the children are safe."

In addition to daily school help, the fathers also participate in special events, such as dad-and-daughter dance held earlier this school year. One father also wants to build a pavilion at the school for the students.

Owens-Twaites said she was "moved to tears" to see number of fathers who brought their daughters to the special school night. "You don't see that often," she said.

Both Boyce and Owens-Twaites said the men are a welcome face at the school, and that children look forward to seeing them. School officials think this kind of collaboration is part of what's needed to push children to succeed.

Watch D.O.G.S. dad Richard Ntifo is also believer of the program. He comes throughout the week to see his two school-aged children, Josie and Kristina, but to also volunteer.

"I couldn't think of doing anything else," he said one day outside of of school class room. "My 6-year-old always wants me to come every day."

Even when other children seem him arrive, they light up, Ntifo said. That, he said, is a great feeling.

If parents don't get involved now when children are young, when will they, he questioned.

"It's just the right thing to do," said 54-year-old Ntifo. "It's a very great opportunity that you don't want to squander."

To learn more about the Watch D.O.G.S. program or others ways that parents can get involved at Anderson-Livsey Elementary School, contact Darren Boyce at (678) 344-3527, or email him at Darren_Boyce@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.