Dads aplenty escort kids on special day

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 20, 2012) – They came with children in tow. Some toted backpacks. One or two had just come off the night shift; others took time off work.

All of them were there for one thing: to show support for their child’s education.

More than 650 fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and mentors in took part in the Sept. 20 “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” celebration in the City School District of Albany. (A Pine Hills Elementary School student is pictured at right with her father.)

Dads Take Your Child to School Day is part of a national effort to encourage men to be more active in their children's education. Schools throughout New York state took part in the event, which is sponsored by the Fatherhood Initiative of the New York state Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

In Albany, 13 elementary and middle schools participated in the event by hosting assemblies, speakers, breakfasts, health screenings and more.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves about 8,600 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.