"Dads Take Your Child to School Day" Draws Over 570 Father Figures to Peekskill Schools

On Tuesday, September 20, the Peekskill City School District joined other schools in Westchester County and across the nation in “Dads Take Your Child to School Day.” This is the third year that Peekskill has participated in the initiative, and it was the District’s most successful year ever. A total of 574 father figures, (which included dads, brothers, uncles, grandpas and even a few females), turned out to accompany their students to school. That’s approximately 170 more participants than last year’s campaign drew.

Prior to the event, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino hosted a “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” kick-off event at Peekskill’s Oakside Elementary School. The kick-off, which was meant to promote the September 20 event, welcomed elected officials, community leaders, Peekskill administrators and father figure participants from Peekskill’s 2015 “Dads Take Your Child to School Day.”

In an effort to keep families involved with their student’s school life, after walking their students to school, “Dad’s Day” participants were invited to sign up for volunteer opportunities that would allow them to return to Peekskill Schools throughout the 2016-2017 school year. Out of the 574 adult attendees, over 100 committed to volunteering.

The day also included a breakfast for those who attended, as well as the chance to shadow students in their classrooms. Some teachers even arranged projects and activities for father figures to partake in with their loved ones. At Uriah Hill Jr. Elementary School students and adults made friendship bracelets, while at Woodside Elementary adults took turns reading to their student’s class.

“The day was a fantastic showing of "dad power" and support,” said Peekskill Middle School Principal Jamal Lewis. “The students smiled as their dads brought them to school, took a picture with them, and then had a breakfast treat. Many teachers in the school became quite emotional from seeing the wonderful display. We are looking forward the continued efforts for the remainder of the school year.”

For a photo album from this event, please click here.