The City of White Plains, in partnership with the White Plains City School District and the White Plains Youth Bureau, will celebrate the 20th Annual Dads & Special Adults Take Your Child to School Day on Thursday, September 17, at the beginning of the school day at all White Plains Public Schools.
For two decades, this annual tradition has encouraged fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors and other special adults to take an active role in the educational lives of children by accompanying them to school and demonstrating the importance of family and community support. The 20th anniversary marks an important milestone for an initiative that has brought fathers and caring adults into schools while promoting positive father involvement and stronger connections between families, schools and the community.
Frank Williams, Jr., Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, emphasized the importance of having fathers and special adults actively involved in the lives of children.
“The presence of a father or special adult can make a lasting difference in the life of a child. Take Your Child to School Day is more than simply walking a child into school,” Williams said. “It shows our young people that they are valued and supported, and that their education matters.”
Williams added, “Our goal is to encourage fathers and special adults to make their involvement more than a one-day event. We want to inspire a year-round commitment to being present, engaged and supportive in the academic and personal lives of our children and youth.”
The White Plains Youth Bureau has made fatherhood engagement a priority through initiatives including Grandpas United, JumpStart for Dads and Color Him Father, along with other programs designed to encourage positive father involvement and strengthen families.
Family and community engagement plays an important role in student success, according to Dr. Joseph Ricca, Superintendent of White Plains Public Schools.
“We are pleased to once again partner with the White Plains Youth Bureau and the City of White Plains for this important celebration,” Ricca said. “When fathers, special adults and families are actively engaged in a child’s education, students receive a powerful message that their learning, growth and future are important. We look forward to welcoming fathers and special adults into our schools and celebrating 20 years of this meaningful tradition.”
White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch said, “The City of White Plains is proud to be a part of this important initiative. Events like this are among the most important things we can do for our children and our community. When fathers, grandparents, mentors and other caring adults are actively involved in a child’s education, they help create a stronger foundation for academic achievement, personal growth and future success. We are pleased to continue this tradition and encourage even greater participation from dads and special adults throughout our community.”
Dads, grandfathers, special adults, mentors and other caring adults are encouraged to participate in Dads & Special Adults Take Your Child to School Day on Thursday, September 17, at the beginning of the school day.
As the White Plains community celebrates this 20-year tradition, the Youth Bureau encourages every father and special adult to make a commitment to remain involved throughout the school year. Walking a child into school sends a powerful message: “I am here for you. Your education matters to me. I believe in you, and I want to be part of your future.”
The Importance of Father and Special Adult Engagement:
Research continues to demonstrate that when fathers and specials adults are actively involved in a child’s education, young people benefit academically and personally. Consistent involvement helps children develop stronger academic motivation, improved attendance, greater confidence, stronger communication skills and a more positive attitude toward school.
When fathers and special adults take an interest in homework, attend school activities, communicate with teachers and encourage children to set educational goals, they reinforce the message that education is important and that their children’s future matters. Positive involvement contributes to better behavior, stronger social and emotional development, improved problem-solving skills and healthier relationships with peers and adults.
For additional information, contact the White Plains Youth Bureau at 914-422-1378.