Men 'all in' for students on 'Dads Day'

City School District of Albany fathers and father figures proved Sept. 18 that they are “All in for Albany!” About 1,500 men accompanied students to school district-wide that morning in recognition of the annual “Dads Take Your Child to School Day.”

“Dads Day,” as the event has become known, is a national and statewide initiative that began in Chicago in 2004. The district celebrated its 10th year of participation this year.

Dads Day is intended to encourage parent participation but also highlights the important part men play in their children’s lives and academic success. All of the district’s 15 elementary and middle schools as well as the Tony Clement Center for Education held events to honor the male role models in students’ lives.

At North Albany Academy (pictured at right), dads headed straight to the classroom where they read aloud, helped students complete math problems and participated in a STEAM activity (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math).

Those in attendance at several schools enjoyed an amazing breakfast alongside their child. At William S. Hackett Middle School, the special guests also got a chance to shadow students in the classroom to experience a typical day.

Other schools invited speakers to address their guests. At Albany School of Humanities (ASH), Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams joined new Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. Chief Hawkins (pictured at right below) told a packed gymnasium that commitment from fathers and father figures is crucial to building strong schools and communities.

Parent-teacher associations also helped school staff in making Dads Day a success. Additionally, the New York State Office of Children and Families and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance both partnered with the district to champion Governor Andrew Cuomo’s fatherhood initiatives, giving away backpacks with school supplies to all students at North Albany.

Follow the links below to check out photos from many of our schools on the district's Facebook page. A Facebook account is not needed to view the photos. Just click "not now" and you will be able to view the photos.

• Albany School of Humanities (ASH)
• Arbor Hill Elementary School
• Delaware Community School
• Edmund J. O'Neal Middle School of Excellence
• Montessori Magnet School
• North Albany Academy
• Schuyler Achievement Academy
• Sheridan Preparatory Academy
• Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School
• Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST)

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves about 9,500 students in 18 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.