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Our Achievements |
Arts Achievements |
We have partnered with the Memphis Chapter of AIA and have created several extraordinary projects. We have also been involved in the Memphis Symphony's "Dance Mix" program for Memphis City Schools and several state programs, including the Frist Center's "The Art of Tennessee" Banner Contest and the Tennessee Arts Commission's "My Home is Tennessee." One of the most outstanding Arts Achievements of our school was the naming of our music teacher, Ms. Terry Starr as a Rotary Teacher of Excellence. |
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ESL Awards |
The Sixth Grade ELL Students with Ms. Lockwood searched the internet through selected web sites, chose a master artist to study in depth, and composed a written report. They created their own self portrait using a masterpiece as a guide. After creating the background for their picture by painting it as a backdrop, they dressed as the character in the painting. Their photograph was taken to create a reproduction of the actual painting. The students, then, presented their portraits and reports with the class. The pictures and photographs were displayed at Memphis Board of Education in Spring 2004. |
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Music Achievements |
Our music teacher, Ms. Terry Starr, was selected as one of the ten Rotary teachers of the year and was honored, along with the other honorees at a lovely dinner at the Cannon Center in April,14, 2004. Ms. Starr has been with Bruce Elementary for more than ten years and performs in her church on Sunday mornings, performing in Spanish as well as English. She is a master Orff teacher and assists with teacher training for new music teachers with Memphis City Schools. Many of our projects, such as the collaboration between art, music and the Memphis symphony are made possible by her untiring devotion to the students of Bruce Elementary. The "Dance Mix" curriculum guide of the Memphis Symphony was designed by the writing team that included Ms. Starr, which allowed all of the third through the sixth grade to attend the Memphis Symphony's spring performance last year, and provided the catalyst for the art and music collaboration, "Making Colors Dance." Thank you, Ms. Starr, for all you do for us! |
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Ms. Terry Starr
16 Years Teaching Experience
B.M.E. in Music Education, University of Memphis
M.P.S. in Pastoral Studies, Loyola University - New Orleans
Completed Levels I, II, III, and master Class, Orff-Schulwerk
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About WATCH D.O.G.S. |
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History |
WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® started after a 1998 middle-school shooting in Jonesboro, Ark., prompted one father, WATCH D.O.G.S. founder Jim Moore, to get involved. He wanted to help prevent such violence from occurring at his child’s school – or at any school. Moore could easily see that fathers were the missing element at his child’s school. He suggested to the principal a way to involve fathers, help create a safer, stronger school setting and provide positive male role models for students. The program was officially launched at George Elementary in Springdale, Ark., the school of Moore’s oldest child. Today WATCH D.O.G.S. is a 501(c)3 educational organization helping thousands of fathers reconnect with their children at hundreds of schools across the country. |
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Vision |
To be the world’s first and foremost fathering catalyst which reconnects dads with kids and kids with dads at school. |
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Program Goals |
WATCH D.O.G.S. strives to: |
- Raise the banner of positive fathering through the forum of schools across America and the world.
- Awaken fathers to the values and benefits of committed fathering.
- Change culture by where every child has a father or father figure to connect with in a positive way at school.
- Help every school in America be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father figures in their children's life.
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How WATCH D.O.G.S. Works |
WATCH D.O.G.S. is a K –12 program, providing a simple and effective process to achieve the program's goals while helping fathers spend meaningful time with their children in the school setting. The program very simply allows fathers or father figures such as grandfathers, uncles, or other male adults to volunteer at least one day at their child’s school during the school year. Individuals sign up either at a kick-off event such as a “Dads and Kids Pizza Night” event or “Donuts with Dads” event or in the office at anytime during the school year. The program is overseen by a “Top Dog” volunteer dad who partners with the school administrator to coordinate scheduling and identify opportunities for WatchDOGS to provide assistance at the school. WatchDOGS ( Dad’s Of Great Students) perform a variety of tasks during their volunteer day. Examples of assignments include monitoring the school entrance, assisting with unloading and loading of buses and cars, reading to classes or small groups of students, assisting with recess, eating lunch side by side with the students and other activities that engage the WatchDOGS with not only their own children but other children in the study body. |
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Program Impact |
As of Dec. 1, 2004, there are WATCH D.O.G.S. schools signed up in over 30 states. |
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During 2003, WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® conducted a survey of 50 participating schools nationwide. Key findings: |
- 89% agree or strongly agree that WATCH D.O.G.S. is a valuable component of the schools’ efforts to promote a safe and positive learning environment for students.
- 79% agree or strongly agree that since implementing the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program, the school has experienced an increase in father involvement in areas other than WATCH D.O.G.S. (e.g. parent-teacher conferences, volunteerism in the classroom or after school, PTA/PTO involvement).
- 79% agree or strongly agree that the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program has made a significant contribution to the safety of the school.
- 52% agree or strongly agree that the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program has contributed to a decrease in students’ behavioral problems.
- 50% agree or strongly agree that the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program has contributed to an increase in student achievement in the school.
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Program Recognition |
- Recognized as a “best practice” by Joyce L. Epstein, Ph.D., Director of Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships, Johns Hopkins University.
- In 1999, invited by the United States Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to participate in a nationwide teleconference called “Fathers Matter.”
- Involved in the U.S. Department of Education’s P.F.I.E. (Partnership For Family Involvement In Education).
- Recognized on the floor of Congress as a program that "can be a great tool in our efforts to prevent school violence and to improve student performance because it can increase parental initiative and involvement in their children’s education." Congressional Record, Feb. 7, 2000 page S392.
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For More Information |
The program is sponsored nationally by Tyson Foods, Inc. As a result of this sponsorship, schools can register at no cost to become an official WATCH D.O.G.S. school. A start-up kit is available for purchase which includes an official implementation guide explaining how to establish and administer the program. Other resources are available such as official WATCH D.O.G.S. T-shirts and promotional items. (Click on the WATCH D.O.G.S. Store tab at the top of this page to view our resources. ) |
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To establish the program, call toll free at 1-888-540-DOGS (3647), e-mail contact@watchdogs.net or visit www.watchdogs.net. |
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WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® 700 N. 40th, Suite C, Springdale, AR 72762 1 (479) 751-3535 |
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