We’re gearing up for another successful year of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program. A big thank you to all of the dads who volunteered last year. Join us at the Castle again for the 2025-2026 school year!

DONUTS WITH DUDES - watch d.o.g.s kickoff

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29. Doors open at 7:15 am.

At the event, we will provide donuts/OJ/water for you and your kids. Once the kids head to class, there will be a short presentation about the Watch D.O.G.S. program. This event is mandatory for all new Watch D.O.G.S.

WatchD.O.G.S. are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father-figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at Norton.

If you have participated in the program with us at Norton in the past, you aren’t required to attend as there are no substantive changes—same timing and expectations. Following the event, we will post the Volunteer Calendar for you to sign up for your day.

If you were not able to attend the WatchDOG presentation and you would like more information about the program, please email Gwen Dean at gwendelyn.dean@allenisd.org

ABOUT WATCH D.O.G.S.

WatchD.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a national program with the goal of providing positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Visit https://dadsofgreatstudents.com/ for additional information on the national program.

When you sign up for WatchD.O.G.S., you pick a day to spend at Norton during a designated time. You will receive a schedule of activities, which can vary from reading to your child’s class, playing with the kids during recess or PE, sharing your profession with a classroom, or helping out the staff with odd jobs around the school. You will spend some time in your child’s classroom(s) and eat lunch together.

WatchD.O.G.S. are encouraged to interact with other kids and be a positive presence wherever there is a need. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how your kids spend their days, not to mention a greater appreciation for the hard work their teachers do every day. From time-to-time, WatchD.O.G.S. are called upon to help with special events like refereeing kickball games or manning stations at Field Day.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

STEP 1) PTA MEMBERSHIP

All WatchD.O.G.S. are Required to have a Norton PTA membership during the current school year.

STEP 2) BACKGROUND CHECK

Complete a Required background check through Allen ISD.

This is mandatory before you will be allowed inside the school. Processing can take up to two weeks. This is done through Winocular, you will need to create an account if you have never volunteered in Allen ISD before. Follow this link: https://apps2.winocular.com/AllenISD/workspace/

STEP 3) WATCHDOG SHIRT

A WatchD.O.G. shirt is Required. It is important for campus security and helps the kids and the staff identify you as the WatchD.O.G. on duty. If you don’t already have a shirt, please order one of our newly designed, Norton specific WatchDOGS shirts.

Option 1: Order online through the Norton PTA Spirit Store.

Option 2: Order online from the National WatchDOG store, https://shop.dadsofgreatstudents.com/apparel/

STEP 4) PICK A DATE

After steps 1-3 are completed, you may select an available date from our WatchDOG Calendar. **This calendar will only be accessible to active PTA members**