WPCSD celebrates Dads and Special Adults Take Your Child to School Day

White Plains fathers, as well as other important role models, showed up in a big way on Thursday morning, bringing their children into school for Dads and Special Adults Take Your Child to School Day. The districtwide initiative was a collaboration between the White Plains City School District, the White Plains Youth Bureau and Grandpas United.

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At Eastview Middle School, families filed into the school for a breakfast provided by Grandpas United. They also entered into a raffle, with two lucky dads winning a White Plains Tigers shirt and sweatpants.

“By the turnout today, I can see that you are all very well aware of how important it is for fathers and special adults to be involved in their children’s academic journey, especially in middle school as they transition to upper grades,” said Elizabeth Almonte, deputy director of the White Plains Youth Bureau. “We want to remind you to stay involved. Participate in the PTA if you can join. If you can mentor a child, please do so. Children need their affirmations from you, their belief that you believe in them. 

Chris Ferrara, a parent of students at Eastview and Post Road, had double duty – participating in the event at both his children’s schools.

“Take your kids to school day is a great day; I’ve been doing it all through elementary school for both my daughter and my son,” said Mr. Ferrara. “It’s just good for the dads to be involved.” 

Kayleigh Ferrara, his daughter, was happy her dad came but is even more grateful for his daily involvement in her education.

“It feels good,” Kayleigh said. “He taught me algebra when I was in fourth grade; he taught me multiplication before we learned it in school, and he’s good at explaining things so I can understand.” 

Eastview Principal Leroy Dixon closed out the morning with a message to parents, commending them for their involvement – especially all the parents who came in August to pick up their iPads, so their children were ready for school.

“By the number of dads and parents in the room today, this highlights the Class of 2032. This is a responsive set of students and a responsive set of parents,” said Mr. Dixon. “You being here today tells us that you are deeply engaged in your child’s learning.”

Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School welcomed a multitude of special adults, filling up the playground and field outside the school. 

Michael Kennedy, father to first-grader Zara, was attending for the second year straight and was excited to come back after connecting with parents during his first year at MAS. 

“They look up to us as their parents, and everything that we portray and put energy into, they kind of see that as things that are important in their lives,” said Mr. Kennedy. “I think it’s always important to be involved in things that enrich their learning and exploration and play. Just coming to school shows them that this is a great place to be.” 

Jim Eisenberg, co-founder of Grandpas United, was also at MAS, where his son graduated over 20 years ago. He spent the morning connecting with fathers and grandfathers, encouraging them to stay involved.

“Our grandpas are very involved in supporting young people,” said Mr. Eisenberg. “It’s great to be back at Mamaroneck Avenue School, and it’s great to see all the grandpas, friends and fathers.”

Before students were sent to their classes, parents networked with each other and played games with their children. Children were thrilled to introduce their friends to their parents, and their smiles got even bigger as their dads joined them on the playground and for games of soccer and tag.

Rob Janowitz, principal at MAS, gave the special adults a heartfelt message and thanks before sending them off. 

“I think one of the biggest battles we have as caregivers and parents is really trying to find the balance between providing and working and spending time with family,” said Mr. Janowitz. “Being a parent isn’t a participation challenge or award ceremony; it’s about making sure your child knows you love and care for them from wherever you are.”

He shared the ways that he reminded his son that he was always there with him, which included leaving notes in random places for his son and discussing the highs and lows of each day after school. 

Throughout the district, special adults joined their children to start the day, showing just how important education is and reinforcing the value of family involvement.

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