White Plains Superintendent Emcees “Dads Take Your Child to School” Kickoff

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca of the White Plains School District emceed the kickoff for the County’s “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” initiative, which was officially launched by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino at Ridgeway Elementary School on September 14.

“Dads Take Your Child to School Day” will take place on September 19 in school districts throughout the county and at all five White Plains elementary schools. The event is part of Mr. Astorino’s ongoing #DadBeThere fatherhood initiative and encourages fathers and significant male caregivers to be positive role models throughout the year.

White Plains school administrators in attendance at the launch included Ridgeway Principal Tashia Brown, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Debbie Hand, Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, Dr. Ann Vaccaro-Teich, and Deborah Augarten, several school principals and others.

“Today is about the special relationship between dads and their children,” said Dr. Ricca, addressing community representatives from the White Plains Youth Bureau, PTA, the local clergy, and others. “Research shows that students who enjoy support from a father or a male caregiver excel in school. They earn higher marks, participate in positive social activities, have fewer instances of behavioral difficulties, are less likely to use drugs and alcohol and are less likely to be persistently absent,” he added.

Last year, over 1,000 fathers and male caregivers from the White Plains elementary schools participated in the program, “evidence,” said Dr. Ricca, “of the parents’ commitment to their children.”

Ms. Brown said she is looking forward to welcoming Ridgeway dads to the celebration which starts with a light breakfast and slideshow of photos from the previous school year’s event.

“It really is an awesome day to see so many dads in our schools,” said Ms. Brown. “We always remind them that we don’t want this to be a singular event. We need them to be engaged throughout the year.”

In his remarks, Mr. Astorino reiterated the positive effect that involvement from fathers and male caregivers can have on children. “Please join us and show our children we care about their education. Kids aren’t always going to say thank you, but you know it means a lot to them,” said Astorino, the father of three. “We can set an example of how positive it is to give that hug, to hold their hand, to be there for your child.” Related to this initiative, he announced a $1,000 donation to the Westchester Library System from the New York Fathering Conference Planning Committee, to support reading programs for low-income families.

Parent John Pasacreta and his son, Luke, a student at Ridgeway Elementary, were special guests at the event. Mr. Pasacreta, whose two older children also attended the school, has been actively involved in many of its family-focused events, including field days, PTA meetings, cookouts and more. This is a special year for the Pasacretas -- their last at Ridgeway, with Luke moving on after fifth grade.