(ThyBlackMan.com) Each school year is an opportunity to begin anew. To start off on a great foundation of learning and discovery. It is also another opportunity to encourage fathers, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers and surrogate fathers to mentor and volunteer in schools. To be involved in making their children’s lives a better opportunity to grow academically.
Nationally through the Million Father March the first day of school is important to set the foundation for an academic year of 180 days for learning. To improve reading and develop comprehension skills. To 
celebrate the creatives, the innovators, the intellectuals and the students that are not athletes nor are they entertainers. They are the “smart” kids that sometimes to do not get recognized, they do not get noticed and sometimes even picked on and bullied.
In this goal fathers are key to motivating, encouraging, and making learning exciting and even protecting and guiding. No matter the educational level of the father, data that is national shows how important fathers are. Dads, stepdads and male figures do account for success in the classroom and school environment. Not to mention active fathers improve communities.
Duval County Public Schools is a national leader in school reform and parent related events, this MFM has grown where national attention is on Duval County Public Schools and the success of encouraging fathers to be involved and engaged in schools. Fathers are welcomed
and encouraged to attend PTA meetings, join School Advisory Councils and even encouraged to attend school board meetings contributing in school improvement discussions.
Million Father March shows children are valued and supported in education. In the 2015 – 2016 school year thousands of fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, male caregivers, mentors, and family friends showed their support to students across the nation. Many men continued by volunteering throughout the school year.
Men don’t let a potential background issue keep you from registering to volunteer for your child’s educational success. Children need the support and value that men show for education.
This support was not just on the first day, but many continued until the last day. It is hoped this effort continues for years to come, from kindergarten to high school graduation, fathers are encouraged to register as volunteers for schools, to go on field trips, to eat lunch with their children, to attend PTA, School Advisory Council Meetings and School Board Meetings.
Tag yourself through the year in the hashtag #BackToSchool, #MillionFatherMarch on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media platforms to show your support and involvement in the schools this year in your community and in your city.
Everyone wins and everyone benefits when fathers and concerned men are part of the educational process for children.
Resources:
The Alphabet of Fatherhood
https://thyblackman.com/2016/09/03/the-alphabet-of-fatherhood-can-be-awesome/
Dad Summit
https://twitter.com/dad2summit
New Fathers Chronicles on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoaoWgTo61BNTquePdHGu
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.