43
Boardman dads call for greater participation in schools from male role models
Fathers gather to welcome students to school
BOARDMAN
Step into a Parent- Teacher Association meeting, and you’ll find plenty of moms eager to help with their child’s education.
Often missing from the crowd, however, is a crucial component: fathers.
That’s according to Jason White, a father of three and member of Robinwood Lane Elementary’s PTA.
White wants other male role models to step up to the plate and get involved in the schools. To that end, he and a group of other men started a tradition at Robinwood: the first Friday of each month, they go to the school to greet students as they arrive in the morning.
It’s their small way of showing that they are there. The event also aims to get male family members into the school and to help kids start their days in a positive way.
“Every kid needs to say good morning to their dad,” White said. “When we see the smiles on the kids’ faces – that’s why we do it.”
Aside from the monthly Dads’ day, White said he’d like to see fathers attend other events, such as PTA meetings.
“I think they should get more involved in the community and help out,” he said.
Smiles were on many faces Friday as groups of kids rushed in from school buses and spotted the friendly row of fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and other family members holding bowls of lollipops and ready to wish everyone a good day.
“Love you! Have a nice day,” Michel Ishac told his daughters, Jade and Cheyenne, kissing them before they headed to their classrooms.
Eric Gonzalez, holding daughter Elena in his arms, crouched down to greet his son, Gavin, after he got off the bus. Also there to greet Gavin, a kindergarten student, was his grandfather, Frank Notareschi.
“I like to greet the kids in the morning,” Gonzalez said. “Some of these kids, we know, don’t necessarily have dads at home, so we like to greet them with a quick smile.”