The Duke Ellington Express: Fathers Take Your Child To School Day

Parent with 5h grade scholar.

Fathers Take Your Child to School Day celebrated its 13th year! Starting with just one school in 2006, this initiative now takes place at over 200 schools and Head Start Programs throughout New York State. Research indicates that children whose fathers take a more active role in their lives have better outcomes. Here are some statistics:

Children of highly-involved resident fathers were 55% more likely to enjoy school
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
Children living in homes with a father present are two times less likely to repeat a grade

During a morning event for fathers and father figures of PS4 students, Mr. Stevens, a father to a child of his own, spoke about the importance of fathers being present in their children’s lives. He discussed the importance of knowing where their kids are at all times. Especially at night, since sometimes he leaves late and sees kids on the streets alone. "I feel strongly", he noted, "that if fathers aren’t present in their child's life, the streets will raise them".

Fathers and father figures discuss the importance of supporting their children.

During the event parents were asked to share things they do with their children. One father, in particular, talked about how he loves cooking with his daughters and listening to music while doing it. "It's an experience of learning", said Mr. Huerta; parent of a two young daughters and husband of our PTA President. Another father shared the importance of being a Dad. During this powerful time of sharing, he became emotional as he recently suffered the loss of a daughter. It was during this time that many dads took the opportunity to console him.