By Rich Bockmann
A number of southeast Queens schools will open their doors Tuesday to fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, godfathers, uncles, big brothers and any other father figure you can think of who want to show their young students that dad is there for them.
“Fathers are essential to a child’s development and well-being, and they need to be involved in their children’s education,” said Rodney Pride, executive director of the United Black Men of Queens Foundation, Inc. “When fathers take an active interest, children do better in school, have fewer behavioral problems and are more likely to graduate.”
Now in its seventh year, the Dads Take Your Child to School day promotes the value paternal engagement plays in a young student’s life.
Fathers are encouraged to arrive with their children about 15 minutes before classes start, and after the students hit the books the dads gather to casually discuss the challenges and successes they have had raising their youngsters. Help with issues such as job development and family wellness are also provided through a partnership with a number of city and state social service agencies.
“Children, no matter their gender, admire their dads,” said Robert Chambers, principal of the Langston Hughes School, PS 134, in Hollis. “Through observation, fathers can build a strong foundation in their child’s education by getting involved in the school community. The dad’s day initiative facilitates this by providing a venue for this to take place.”
Events are organized by individual schools and Head Start programs, so interested fathers should contact their child’s school to see if it is participating.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
