Our purpose
For Students
Smiles, warm greetings, high-fives, positive attitudes, encouragement and general assistance.
For Teachers
Project assistance, general errands, special requests and deliveries.
For Administrators
Building relationships with students and teachers, and helping wherever an extra positive adult presence is useful.
Our Goals
How every Dad on Duty shows up, every time he serves.
- 01Be a warm, welcoming presence without dominating the moment
- 02Be a role model without judgment
- 03Be a good example without correcting poor behavior
- 04Be available without being disruptive
- 05Be approachable and available without being a burden
- 06Be upbeat and positive to encourage students… and teachers
- 07Be obedient in service without drawing attention to yourself
- 08Be infectious in attitude and humble in service
- 09Be self-funding, generous and giving
- 10Be unwavering in selfless service
For Volunteers
- Job DescriptionWhat volunteers do during the dayComing soon
- Training MaterialsWhat to know before you serveComing soon
- Daily ScheduleYour day on duty, hour by hourView planner
- Recruitment PosterShare it with dads you know (PDF)View PDF
Getting There
- Directions to Patrick Elementary2707 Kilgore Rd, Buford, GA 30519Open map
- School MapEntrances, car line, cafeteria and front officeComing soon
A Day on Duty
Volunteers serve a full school day, from 7:30 check-in to 3:00 departure. See the full daily planner.
- 7:30Arrive at school
Park in the top (first) lot to the left as you enter. Check in at the front office: show your ID, get your visitor badge, DOD lanyard and daily planner, and meet the other DODs.
- 7:40–8:05Welcome students
Two DODs at car arrivals and two at bus arrivals. Smile, offer a good-morning message and high-fives, encourage, and help as needed.
- 8:05–8:15Patrick Pups News
Be briefly introduced on the morning announcements as a volunteer Dad on Duty, on screen with your child.
With your child - 8:15–10:15Teacher and administrator support
Deliver items parents dropped off to classrooms (knock, don’t enter), take special requests from the front office, and be visible in the hallways without disruption.
- 10:15–11:00Personal time
Return phone calls, texts and email out of sight of students and teachers.
- 11:00–1:30Cafeteria and playground
Eat lunch with your child at their assigned time, then work the room. Organize group games on the playground and award DOD stickers for kind behavior.
With your child - 1:30–2:40Afternoon support
Check in with the office and complete any special requests for the day.
- 2:40–3:00Dismissal
Two DODs at car departures and two at bus departures. Send students off with smiles and high-fives.
- 3:00Departure
Return your visitor badge, DOD lanyard and leftover DOD stickers before leaving.
By special request
- A brief visit to your child’s classroom for teacher assistance, an introduction/hello, or reading. This requires prior approval from the teacher: email your request one week before your day of service.
- Reading to students or helping with special activities in the classroom or library, by invitation only (pre-arranged with the teacher).
- Event setup and breakdown, arts/gym/tech class assistance, cleaning and organizing, and library assistance.
How to Get Involved
Every volunteer starts with training.
Who can serve
You must have at least one child registered at Patrick Elementary School.
- Dads
- Grandfathers
- Uncles
- Other father figures (with household approval)
Three steps to your first day
- Sign up for trainingChoose a training session on SignUpGenius.
- Sign up to volunteerPick your day on duty on SignUpGenius.
- Serve your day on dutyCheck in at the front office, pick up your daily planner, and make a difference.
Volunteer Responsibilities
These rules keep students safe and keep the focus where it belongs.
Always
- Be upbeat, positive and encouraging to students
- Take direction from teachers and administrators
- Use restrooms designated for adults only
- Expect to serve the full day when you serve
- Respect student confidentiality and boundaries
- Be a role model in everything you do
- Follow the schedule and guidelines you receive when you arrive, unless a teacher or administrator directs otherwise
Never
- Be alone with one student
- Discipline or touch a student
- Use your phone outside of scheduled personal time, or where students can see you
- Use profanity, alcohol or drugs on school property
- Share political or religious views
- Wear hats, hoods or sunglasses in the building, or logo sportswear (unless permitted for a special school event)
- Chew gum in the school
- Share food with students
- Spend excessive or unauthorized time near your child’s classroom
The program has zero tolerance for unhealthy behavior or not following the job description and program rules. A first violation may result in dismissal from the program.
New ProgramLaunching January 2027
Dads and
Granddads!
Volunteer
Ready to make a difference? Sign up for training, then pick your day on duty. Volunteers need at least one child registered at Patrick Elementary School.
Next steps
Contacts
Questions about the program, or want more info? Email us.