Men Needed for Mentoring Program at Ridgeroad Middle School

A group of men working together to make sure every student has a father-figure in their life.

Faculty at Ridgeroad Middle School in North Little Rock hoping to meet that goal, at least for a day each week.

The school is kicking off its WatchDOGS Mentoring Program, (Dads of Great Students) Tuesday.

It's a program to encourage men to take part in a child's life through education, by serving one full day at school as a watchdog mentor.

Statistics show a number of high school dropouts, children with behavioral problems, youth in prison, adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers, teen suicides, runaways and homeless children, come from fatherless homes.

"We live in a time when 40 percent of students will go to bed without a father figure in the home. So there is a great need for positive male role models, to participate in the education of our students, said Paula Vasquez, Teacher to Speakers of Other Languages."

The program is overseen by a "Top Dog" volunteer who partners with the school administrator to coordinate scheduling and identify opportunities for WatchDOGS to provide assistance at the school.

Men can sign up at the WatchDOGS Kickoff Event, Tuesday November 27^th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ridgeroad Middle School in North Little Rock.

Special Guest David Bazzell, former Razorback Football Captain and current Radio Personality at the Buzz 103.7.

Also, Arkansas State Representative Eddie Armstrong, who is the National Spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club of America, will be there as well.