Watch DOGS at Park Place Middle School

Save to Favorites

A Day in the Life of a Middle School Watch DOG

Preparing for Your Day on Campus

Watch DOGS at Park Place Middlenbegin their day on campus by checking in at the Main Office at 7:15 am where they will receive their official nametag, daily schedule and Watch DOG vest. Then they will assist with the arrival of our students at the main entrance. Dogs can be seen on weekday mornings greeting students with a smile and a high-five. Come prepared to spend time both inside and outside throughout the day. Watch DOGS assist Middle School students in the transitions between classes and monitor the hallways. DOGS are on hand during lunch and recess times to increase safety and interact with the students. This includes visiting with students at lunch tables, tossing a football, playing basketball and being available to help staff and students alike. Schedules will include interaction in classrooms working on math or reading skills and time with our Specialists in classes such as Tech Ed, Home Ec. P.E., Art and Music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I only help in classes with my own student(s)?

A: Watch DOGS are assigned to different areas of the school based on the needs of the teachers and students. You will spend some time in your child's class, getting to know the teacher and classmates, but you will also be asked to serve in other classrooms or assist other teachers throughout the day.

Q: What do I do when I am in a classroom?

A: The teacher may ask you to do a number of different things in the classroom including, working with small groups of students on math, reading or spelling skills.

Q: What should I do if I see a discipline issue?

A: Watch DOGS are encouraged to gently remind students of behavior with phrases like, "Remember to use level 1 voices in the hallway", "Let's keep our hands to ourselves please" or "Let's work on making the best choice with our friends, teacher, etc.". However, Watch DOGS are asked to please refrain from punishing or disciplining the students in any way. Please report discipline issues to the teacher/staff member who is overseeing the class, or to the office administration if the issue is taking place outside of the classroom.

Q: What do I do at recess and in the lunchroom?

A: The quick answer- ENGAGE! This is a great time to interact with the students and with your child's friends and classmates. At recess you can feel free to join in on a game of basketball, 4 square, jump rope, and more! If you would prefer not to engage in physical activities with the students, this is also a great time to keep an eye out for the safety of our students and act as an overseer while they play. In the lunchroom you can engage with students by sitting or standing with their tables and asking simple questions to open conversations; "What is your favorite lunch item?", "If you could trade one item in your lunch for one item in another lunch, what would you choose?", "If you could order lunch from your favorite restaurant what would you order?". If while you are wondering around the room you hear conversations or see behavior that is not appropriate, you can simply say, "Let's keep things appropriate!". Please report continued behavior to lunchroom staff.