MIAMI (WSVN) – Miami-Dade County Public Schools is focusing on fathers, who play an important role in schools and students.

On Tuesday, the school board at Pinecrest Elementary School kicked off a special celebration for Fathers in Education Day.

The event was launched in 2014 by the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida.

A group called Watchdog DOGS dads, founded four years ago, consists of fathers who volunteer to assist teachers and staff with dropping off and picking up children and throughout the school day.

The group’s top watchdog was honored during the ceremony on Tuesday.

“An extra pair of eyes making sure the little ones aren’t going over the fence or doing things they’re not supposed to do. Dads feel valued; we do the things we naturally tend to do as dads. I mean, every dad I talk to seems to love being here,” said Shawn Thomas.

The fathers also eat lunch with their children, read to them and help with their school work.

It is part of Fathers in Action and Advocacy Week, which began on Monday and runs through Friday.

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