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September
21 2010
Dads were
out in full force Tuesday morning!
Many Dads and father figures took children to school
 Many
dads, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers and family friends
showed up at school Tuesday morning for “Dads Take Your Child to
School,” a New York State Fatherhood Initiative that encourages
fathers and father figures to be active in their children’s
lives. Many of Schenectady’s schools including Central Park
Magnet School, King Magnet School, Lincoln Elementary School,
Keane Elementary School and Zoller Elementary, made Tuesday
morning special for the dads and all the men who accompanied the
little ones to school.
Those entering
Central Park were greeted outside the school by members of the
school’s PTO and Fidelis Care and offered a hot cup of coffee.
A couple of fathers were sitting on the stone wall near the
steps of the school talking to each other and the surrounding
children as they waited for school to begin.
 Once they signed
in, the men gathered in the library where they met with school
principal Tonya Federico. Some of the fathers spent part of the
day in their child’s classroom.
All of the schools
offered similar programs, providing refreshments, some
sort of goodie bag,
meeting with the principal and opportunity to meet other dads in
the school. Zoller Elementary School dads were treated to
donuts and coffee well before school, giving them time to meet
and chat with one another.
“What a wonderful
morning we had at King,” said Nicki DiLeva, principal at King
Magnet School. About 114 fathers and guardians showed up at the
magnet school this morning. “Many spent time in the classrooms
with their children,” said DiLeva who called the morning a huge
success.
 "I’m
so pleased to see the large turnout of men at school today,"
said Catherine Canavan, parent liaison for the district.
"Research shows that children do better academically and
behaviorally when their parents are involved with school. More
importantly, kids feel great about school when they share it
with the significant men and women in their lives."
The program was
also a success at Lincoln and Keane elementary schools.
According to Pedro Roman, principal of Lincoln Elementary
School, about 55 dads accompanied their children to school.
About 30 dads took their children to Keane Elementary School.
"Thanks to all the men who came out today," said Canavan.
"And be sure to come back to school soon."
“Dads Take Your
Child to School,” is a call to all fathers, father figures, to
take their children to school and to remain involved with the
child during the school year. According to the Office of
Temporary and Disability Assistance, research shows that
children whose fathers take active roles in their educational
lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school
more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend
college.
More Facts
About Father Involvement
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A father who
actively participates in the educational and social
development life of a child is invaluable and irreplaceable.
-
Children have
fewer behavior problems when father speak and listen to
their children regularly and are active in their lives.
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A good father
is part of a good parent team and is critical to strong
family structures.
-
Strong family
structure produces children who are more centered,
academically proficient and socially developed and are a
valuable asset to their communities.
-
Better parents
produce better communities, better schools and better
students.
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Central Park
International Magnet School
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