TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Over the past few weeks, dozens of Tucson schools have received threats and at least six juveniles have been arrested.
One group of schools, Leman Academy of Excellence, is highlighting its approach to increase safety on its campuses.
“I think given the climate now; our WATCH D.O.G.S. program is more important than ever,” said Tracey McCracken, operations manager at Leman.
The WATCH D.O.G.S., or “Dads of Great Students” have been patrolling Leman for more than a year.
But with the recent increase of threats to schools, dads, uncles, grandfathers, and the like are volunteering now more than ever.
“You just get a warm fuzzy feeling being around all the kids you know?” said Dennis Dominguez, a WATCH D.O.G.S. member.
WATCH D.O.G.S. may be a district-wide effort for Leman, but it’s a nationwide program that has been starting to spread in southern Arizona.
Men can volunteer with the school to patrol the campus during its hours, ensuring safety for the students and faculty.
For Leman’s East campus, a recent informational session had a turnout of over 70 people, which meant a lot to McCraken.
“We’re very fortunate to be in communities where parents really do want to partner with us,” McCracken said. “And they want safe and secure environments for their scholars.”
McCraken said that anyone interested is screened and undergoes training to ensure they are prepared for any and all scenarios.
Being able to be included in his daughter’s safety is something that means a lot to another watchdog Alec Castaneda.
“Leaving them somewhere and trusting the staff or the administration to kind of take care, watch your kid, is a big task,” Castaneda said. “And I think that giving us that little bit of an into kind of be part of that in whatever capacity we can, is great.”
The volunteers aren’t just on campus for safety McCraken said, but also to emotionally support the students.
Eric Reiman, also a watchdog, is grateful to be able to provide peace of mind to the students and faculty.
“To know that you can hear kids laughing and smiling and giggling and not having to worry about some of the things that we can take off their shoulders,” Reiman said.
If you’re interested in WATCH D.O.G.S., you can find more information HERE.
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