New York City Dads Encouraged to Take Their Children to School

NEW YORK, NY (08/25/2008)(readMedia)-- Fathers and father figures are urged to accompany their children to the first day of school this year, as part of a national Million Father March. New York City's public schools open Tuesday, Sept. 2.

"Fathers are essential to a child's development and well-being, and they need to be involved in their children's education," said Gladys Carrión, Esq., Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS). "When fathers take an active interest, children do better in school, have fewer behavioral problems, and are more likely to graduate."

OCFS is partnering with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to encourage participation in the Million Father March throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

"Fathers need to assert leadership and provoke the imagination of our school communities to redefine family involvement in a child's education," said DOE Chief Family Engagement Officer Martine Guerrier.

An estimated 500,000 men from 400 cities across the U.S. are expected to join the march. Businesses are being asked to give fathers and father figures two hours off to take their children to school. Men are also being encouraged to use the Million Father March as the beginning of a "year long" commitment to volunteer and take an active role in school activities.

OCFS's participation in the Million Father March is part of its fatherhood initiative promoting responsible fatherhood.

Commissioner Carrión will take part in the program at PS/MS147 in Cambria Heights. Participants will receive certificates of recognition, refreshments and giveaways.

Schools signed up to participate in New York City include: South Bronx Preparatory MS 223: Brooklyn PS 86, PS 272 and New Life Head Start; Queens PS/MS 147 Cambria Heights; Harlem PS 133 and PS 242; and Staten Island PS 14.

Community outreach through posters, fliers, and media announcements are being developed to encourage fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and family friends to go to school with children on the first day of classes. A public service announcement for the New York City Million Father March may be downloaded from the OCFS website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us.

The 2008 Million Father March is managed nationwide by The Black Star Project, U.S.A. in partnership with the National PTA and the National Fatherhood Initiative. This is the fifth year of the march.

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