POLSON — The cafeteria at Linderman Elementary School was filled to capacity last Thursday night, as 77 dads and male guardians joined their children to learn more about the Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer program being piloted at the school this year. The program - which stands for “Dads of Great Students” - is the product of a nationwide initiative launched by the National Center for Fathering that aims to increase male involvement in educational settings for young children.

Principal Tim Finkbeiner and school counselor Chris McElwee told the crowd of eager male volunteers that while mothers also have tremendous importance in their kids’ development, numerous studies reflect the uniquely positive impact that involved men can have on brightening the prospects of a child’s future - especially at the elementary level of education, where teachers are predominantly female.

“I have spent a lot of time as a teacher and administrator trying to recruit males to get involved in the classroom,” Finkbeiner said afterwards. “There is so much need for a male contact.”

Not only does having a positive male influence boost the academic performance of children, but studies demonstrate that men who are actively engaged in kids’ lives can decrease the likelihood of risky behavior such as drug use, criminal activity and teen pregnancy.

Finkbeiner and McElwee encouraged attendees at Thursday’s meeting to volunteer to come into the school for one full day this year. Watch D.O.G.S. participants can help out in a number of roles, ranging from classroom and homework tutors to hallway monitors, gym coaches, playground supervisors and more.

“We just want males around. Positive male role models,” said McElwee.

The program was started at an elementary school in Springdale, Ark. in 1998 and has since gone on to enjoy success in other school districts across the country.

McElwee said that Linderman’s volunteer coordinator, Edna Lemm, “should get all the credit for finding [the program].” After learning of the impact of Watch D.O.G.S. elsewhere, Lemm approached Finkbeiner and McElwee and asked if they would be interested in implementing the initiative here in Polson. While the school’s administration enthusiastically welcomed the idea, they were overwhelmed by Thursday’s robust show of support from men in the community.

“It was great. I was very pleased to see all the gentlemen there,” said McElwee.

According to McElwee, Linderman is one of only five Montana schools participating in the program. Other involved school districts are located in Bozeman, Great Falls, Whitefish and Hamilton.