WATCH D.O.G.S. is a successful national program established in 1998 to encourage community members — particularly fathers and father figures — to get involved with their local schools.

Small but purposeful classroom shifts can nudge kids from passive learners to active participants with a stake in the game.

It's the first full school year for new Somers-Lakeside Superintendent Alex Ator, who says he's looking forward to getting back to business. School started Sept. 2 for students at Somers Middle School ...