Elementary school "Watchdog" program

[HadEmAll]

My 5 year old grandson just started kindergarten this school year. Saddens me that I can't take him out of school one day a week or so like I could out of day care for a mid-week trip to the zoo, or the park, or library, etc. anymore for a grandfather/grandson bonding session, but that's life.

Anyway, I was made aware of a "Watchdog" program this elementary school has in place where parents/grandparent volunteers patrol the campus to ensure that all building access doors are secured except for the main entrance. I submitted my background check information through the district's online website, and expect to be cleared before the end of the week.

I love my grandson, and am delighted to have an opportunity to help provide any measure of security I legally can to make his school day safer.

When I was telling my son (not this grandson's parent) about my upcoming "Watchdog" duty, he asked if I was going to be carrying a handgun.

Now I've had my CHL since '96, and carry everywhere I legally can ALL the time. I know that if my duties didn't involve going into the "premises" I would be okay on the grounds per the Texas penal code.

But, since I'll be inside the "premises" as much as outside, I'll regretfully leave my handguns in the vehicle.

The thought crossed my mind to ask for an appointment with the principal, and ask her to consider the possibility of authorizing me to carry concealed on the "premises" but the potential for that blowing up in my face is too great. From personal views to district policy, that is a minefield I'd rather not tread on until they get to know me for the good guy I am. Don't want to be seen as that "vigilante granddad" or school district cop wannabe right from the get go.

So, I will perform as this "Watchdog", and just stay as vigilant as possible, and ready to run to my vehicle for "assistance".

I will be asking the office staff to PLEASE let the Watchdogs know of any parental or custody problems they become aware of as soon as they can.

Glad to have the opportunity, but somewhat angered that I have to be unarmed "cannon fodder" doing it.

Thoughts?

[Dadtodabone]

Observe and report. Keep your eyes open, and your cell phone close. Good Luck. God bless.

[jmra]

I will be asking the office staff to PLEASE let the Watchdogs know of any parental or custody problems they become aware of as soon as they can.

Not going to happen - privacy and FERPA related issues.

[goose]

I will be asking the office staff to PLEASE let the Watchdogs know of any parental or custody problems they become aware of as soon as they can.

Not going to happen - privacy and FERPA related issues.

Agreed. The only way to get that info is to marry someone in the office. I married a teacher. I wish I could unhear a LOT.

You are doing a good thing but please plan on having your hands tied. I suspect that you will see plenty of frustrations from being out of the loop. Other than maybe being a bit closer to the gossip, I doubt the staff will be allowed to share much, as jmra said.

[RoyGBiv]

I've started volunteering for the local ISD recently as well. The "stuff" I'm doing takes place at a variety of hours (sometimes well into the evening) and in a place/time where students are present, but security is not. Doors are not locked.

Since I'm a new face to the regulars and to management, I've taken a "let them get to know me first" approach, but I do plan to ask the person responsible for the building for permission to CC eventually. We'll see how it works out.

[bayouhazard]

Now I've had my CHL since '96, and carry everywhere I legally can ALL the time. I know that if my duties didn't involve going into the "premises" I would be okay on the grounds per the Texas penal code.

If you have to sign up with the school, that sounds like a school sponsored activity on school grounds.

[howdy]

Even IF allowed to CC, I think you might run into that pesky "Security guard with a CHL" problem.

[HadEmAll]

I appreciate all the feedback. Every point sounds valid.

I'm already getting into the mindset just to be as vigilant as possible, and be ready to make a beeline for my vehicle if the situation dictates.

I have a strong suspicion that approaching the principal for permission to carry might be a dry hole anyway.

My fantasy has her saying "Now Mr. XYZ, I can't give you that permission formally due to district/state/federal rules, but Wink-Wink we'd sure feel better if you did".

The reality is more likely "Mr. XYZ, did you just say "handgun"? Uh, I don't think we'll be requiring your services as a volunteer, thank you". With possibly a followup call to the school district police to report an overzealous grandparent with possible vigilante tendencies.

The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but principals don't get to be principals by bucking district policy.

[cw3van]

Even IF allowed to CC, I think you might run into that pesky "Security guard with a CHL" problem.

Yes sir sounds like it may already be there with the security checks (etc.).

[mot7981]

Good for you, HadEmAll. I applaud your efforts. I know it's not a perfect situation but you are doing what you can within the system as it stands to make a difference. This far outweighs the option of siting on the sideline doing nothing and complaining about why the school won't allow you to cc. In the unfortunate event that something did happen it would probably not take more than a minute or two for you to be ready to engage. The Good Guys could easily take longer than that to arrive and those few minutes could translate to many saved lives. Keep up the good work.

[EEllis]

In a lot of way what you could be doing is more important that just having someone with a gun would be. If the physical security of the school is good you really limit access and make it a much harder target. If you are at a location that can expect quik response times and are utilized properly then CC shouldn't be that much of an issue.

[EvoGTR]

I am actually part of this program as well but don't remember submitting a background check.

[oohrah]

I am actually part of this program as well but don't remember submitting a background check.

Had to have. You can't work around kids without it. can't even volunteer. I was a "door greeter" at my church's day care, and had to have a BG check. Your school should not be giving you access w/o it.

[mot7981]

I know Spring Branch ISD has required background checks for as long as I can remember for any volunteer activities. I would imagine all public schools and probably most private schools are the same. Can't take a chance on letting a fox loose in the henhouse.

[grim-bob]

The WatchDogs program is a good one. I participate in it regulary as well. I'll just add that the program is not only about the safety of the school but about interaction with the kids at an educational level. I found that the security aspect of it was maybe 20% at best. Of course each school will implement a little bit differently so it depends on the person administering the program. In my opinion you are there to be a positive male role model to the kids more than any security aspects of the opportunity. In most elementary schools there is not much of a male presence in the staff so the kids love having the WatchDogs around.

Here is an information site for any who haven't seen it before. If they don't have it at your kid's elementary its worth pursuing:
http://www.fathers.com/watchdogs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;