White Plains Celebrates 20 Years Of 'Dads & Special Adults Take Your Child to School Day

WHITE PLAINS, NY — If showing up is half the battle, then White Plains parents are getting off to great school year.

White Plains will celebrate the 20th Annual Dads & Special Adults Take Your Child to School Day on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the beginning of the school day at all White Plains Public Schools. The event is being held in partnership with the City of White Plains, the White Plains City School District and the White Plains Youth Bureau.

The annual event encourages fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors and other special adults to take an active role in children's educational lives by accompanying them to school. Organizers say the 20th anniversary marks a milestone for an initiative aimed at promoting positive father involvement and stronger connections between families, schools and the community.

Frank Williams Jr., executive director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, said the day is meant to send a larger message to 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 also said the goal is to extend that involvement beyond a single day.

“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 Youth Bureau has made fatherhood engagement a priority through initiatives including Grandpas United, JumpStart for Dads and Color Him Father, according to the group, which notes that research continues to show that active involvement by fathers and special adults can support academic motivation, attendance, confidence, communication skills and a more positive attitude toward school.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca said the school district is looking forward to the event.

“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.”

Mayor Justin Brasch said the city is proud to continue the tradition and encourage broader participation. Dads, grandfathers, special adults, mentors and other caring adults are invited to take part Sept. 17 at the beginning of the school day.

For more information, the White Plains Youth Bureau can be reached at 914-422-1378.