Patrick Elementary Dads on Duty

Making a difference at Patrick Elementary

Dads and granddads serving students, teachers and administrators with a smile, a high-five and a helping hand.

Email us to volunteer See a day on duty

Get involved: info@patrickdod.com

Patrick Elementary School Dads on Duty logo: a Dalmatian puppy in a blue cap above the words Dads on Duty, with the motto Smile, Serve, Support

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.

A Day on Duty

Volunteers serve a full school day, from morning arrival through afternoon dismissal.

  1. Morning arrival

    Welcome students as they arrive and help with car-line doors.

  2. Announcements

    Be introduced on the morning announcements with your child, then walk him or her to class. Volunteers don’t enter the classroom.

    With your child
  3. Hallways

    Greet students with a smile or a high-five, without being disruptive.

  4. Recess

    Encourage students with conversation, humor, high-fives and positive reinforcement.

  5. Lunch

    Eat lunch with your child at his or her lunchtime.

    With your child
  6. Dismissal

    Send students off with a smile by helping with afternoon dismissal.

By special request

  • Deliver packages, classroom supplies and parent drop-off items from the front office to classrooms.
  • Help with special projects or general needs in the library, cafeteria, playground, front office, PE, and at special events, fairs and festivals, as directed by administrators, teachers and PTO leaders.
  • Help teachers with classroom projects, organization and cleaning.
  • Read to students in the classroom or library, only with prior approval from a teacher or administrator.

How to Get Involved

Every volunteer starts with one email.

Who can serve

You must have at least one child registered at Patrick Elementary.

  • Dads
  • Grandfathers
  • Uncles
  • Other father figures (with household approval)

Four steps to your first day

  1. Email usSend a note to to say you’d like to volunteer.
  2. Complete volunteer processingIncludes a background check.
  3. Attend trainingLearn the job description, the daily schedule and the program rules.
  4. Serve your day on dutyWe’ll schedule your day. Check in, get your schedule, 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 faculty restrooms, not student restrooms
  • 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 a mobile phone inside the school
  • Use profanity, alcohol or drugs on school property
  • Share political or religious views
  • Wear a hat or logo sportswear
  • 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.

Our Goals

How every Dad on Duty shows up, every time he serves.

  1. 01Be a warm, welcoming presence without dominating the moment
  2. 02Be a role model without judgment
  3. 03Be a good example without correcting poor behavior
  4. 04Be available without being disruptive
  5. 05Be approachable and available without being a burden
  6. 06Be upbeat and positive to encourage students… and teachers
  7. 07Be obedient in service without drawing attention to yourself
  8. 08Be infectious in attitude and humble in service
  9. 09Be self-funding, generous and giving
  10. 10Be unwavering in selfless service

This site is under construction. Program documents are being written now and will be posted here as they’re ready.

The Program

  • About the ProgramPurpose, goals and how the program worksComing soon
  • Job DescriptionWhat volunteers do during the dayComing soon
  • FAQsAnswers for dads, parents and teachersComing soon

For Volunteers

  • Training Materials & ScheduleWhat to know before you serveComing soon
  • Daily ScheduleArrival to dismissal, hour by hourComing soon
  • Recruitment PosterShare it with dads you knowComing soon

Getting There

New ProgramLaunching January 2027

Calling
Dads and
Granddads!

Volunteer

Ready to make a difference? Email us to get involved, and we’ll follow up with next steps. Volunteers need at least one child registered at Patrick Elementary.

Email us to volunteer

Contacts

Questions about the program, or want more info? Email us.

Send an email