Getting involved — and staying involved

Assemblymember William Scarborough (rear, center), Chair of the Million Father March in NYC, attended the first PTA Meeting at P.S. 15, one of the two schools in Queens that had a reception for fathers bringing their children to the first day of school. Scarborough, who also chairs the NYS Assembly Committee on Children and Families, gave fathers certificates honoring their participation. He said it was heart warming to see the men in the community step up and stand with their children. Scarborough also announced the formation of the Million Father Club, an outgrowth of the Million Father March, which is a nationwide initiative which sought to have fathers bring their children to the first day of school. Research has consistently shown that children whose fathers are involved in their lives and education have fewer behavioral problems, do better in school, graduate from school in higher numbers and many more go on to college. The aim of the Million Father Club is to keep fathers involved in their children’s lives and education by providing events and workshops by educational leaders and parenting experts. Fathers are being encouraged to become involved in their children’s schools by starting sporting clubs, such as basketball and baseball. Scarborough said the goal of the Million Fathers Club was to encourage men to be role models and mentors for their children.