A Strong Sense of Duty
Katy dad seeks to increase male involvement in Katy schools
By Claudia Richter
Life is too short not to take advantage of opportunities to influence and spend time with our children. This is especially true during their school years, when, once they are over, seem to have passed much too quickly. Volunteers in Katy ISD play an important role in supporting our teachers and administrators and there are numerous ways to be involved. In addition to parents, the Partners in Education Program enlists the help of local businesses that also want to be involved in helping our public schools.
Upon seeing a need for more male involvement, one Katy dad has taken action to round out the parent participation and make sure dads are just as aware of the opportunities as the moms. James Strickland grew up in Texas and moved to Katy in 2007. He and wife Georgia have three children ages 13, 10, and four-years-old. He is the owner of a web design company as well as a professional powerlifter. While Georgia is the president of the Katy ISD Council of PTAs, James wanted to find his own niche to be involved.
After helping get the Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) off the ground at King Elementary, he was asked to get the program up and running at other Katy ISD schools. Watch DOGS is a national program that started in 1998 as a way for dads to help out at school campuses and aide in the safety aspect.
‘When I started visiting my kids’ schools I noticed that there were many moms involved, especially in the PTA,” says Strickland. “I saw the benefits of increasing parental support by way of encouraging more dads to participate and thought if I can do it, it might encourage others as well.”
By founding Men on Campus, Strickland utilizes the Watch Dogs program to match up dads with school programs but also looks to support other initiatives that foster father involvement. Parents can visit menoncampus.com for information and also to seek help getting started if their school does not have a Watch DOGS program already in place. “I just want what is best for my kids,” says Strickland. “My advice to others that do not know where to start would be: Reach out to your child’s teachers! Ask them what they need help with and support them. This will establish a better relationship with them and help you have more of a voice.” Being more involved at your child’s school can help with issues such as bullying or other problems that can arise, advises Strickland.
“My mission is to get more fathers involved,” says Strickland. “Parents will find that the more involved they are, the more they can influence change in areas they are not happy with.
Pictured: Katy Watch DOG and Men on Campus founder James Strickland and his daughter Kayla.
