Fathers take part

Tuesday, September 2 was the first day of school, and this year, more fathers than ever before accompanied their children, becoming one of the million fathers taking part in the Million Fathers March.
Assemblymember William Scarborough, Honorary Chair of the NYC Million Father March, visited two southeast Queens schools and greeted fathers and students, congratulating the dads for being exemplary role models.
P.S./M.S. 147 and P.S .15 both had a special reception for the fathers and male role models, providing a light breakfast and certificates.
The New York State Office of Family and Children Services and United Black Men of Queens (UBM) planned the reception for P.S./M.S. 147. UBM is expanding their mentoring program to this school. They have in place a mentoring program at High School for Arts and Humanities (formerly Andrew Jackson H.S.) which had been highly successful in mentoring young men at the school.
The Million Father March is a national initiative, with 400 cities participating, to get fathers to take their children to school on the first day. Businesses were asked to give fathers and father figures two hours off to this end. The men were also encouraged to volunteer and take an active role in school activities.
Research consistently shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives get better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, according to Scarborough. Additionally, Scarborough noted, children have fewer behavioral problems when fathers listen and talk to them regularly and are active in their lives. A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed and self-assured.
Scarborough said fathers need to be involved in their children’s lives for their children to thrive, both in school and in their lives. Commissioner Gladys Carrion, Esq., of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, said fathers are essential for their child’s development and well-being.