SILVER CREEK - More than 100 dads from Silver Creek accompanied their children to school on Sept. 21st as part of a national healthy families and responsible fatherhood initiative called Dads Take Your Child to School Day.
The day was collaboration between local schools and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA). The event was hosted locally by Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.
According to OCFS, studies show that when fathers and father figures take an active interest in their children's education, youth do better in school, are better adjusted and more likely to succeed.
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COI Youth Entrepreneurial Specialist Jennifer Hickman makes a presentation to fathers at Silver Creek Central Schools. More than 100 fathers attended “Dads Take your Child to School Day” a statewide initiative created to encourage father involvement in their children’s education and lives.
"The activities involved in "Dads Take your Child to School Day" are supportive of COI's goal to increase male involvement with their families throughout Chautauqua County," Jennifer Hickman, Youth Entrepreneurial Specialist for COI, said. "Fathers are so important to the family and a father's involvement in a child's life can make all the difference in the world. By bringing their children to school, fathers and father figures can demonstrate their commitment to the success of their children in school and in life."
Dads walked their kids to school and shared a breakfast with them in the school cafeteria. They also took part in a presentation put on by COI staff describing and distributing information on the school calendar, teacher conferences, field trips and other school events. All participating Dads signed a pledge card stating their commitment to encourage their children to do their best in school, to be responsible for their education, to volunteer to attend school functions three times a year and to meet with teachers two times a year.
"It was amazing to look out my office window and see so many dads walking their kids to school," Silver Creek Social Worker John Pegolowski said. "It's great to witness the commitment these fathers have to their children's education."
Chautauqua County was among 27 counties statewide participating in the event.
