Broward Million Father March first day of school event – August 20
Submitted by Mary Smith
Members of several local community groups have partnered with Broward County Public Schools again for the annual Broward Million Father March take a child to the first day of school campaign – encouraging fathers, relatives, men and significant male caregivers to take their children to school on the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012.
In the days approaching the first day of school, a number of community organizations including 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Westside Gazette, the Urban League, International Longshoremen’s Association and Broward Health are involved in an effort to get the word out about the importance of parents and adults, throughout Broward County, demonstrating their commitment to education on the first day of classes. Municipal officials, county administrators and numerous businesses are supporting the March by allowing employees to participate.
As part of the campaign, sup-porters have been distributing flyers and promoting the event in the community. A telephone call from Broward County Public Schools is being placed to all parents and guardians of students to encourage men to walk or take children to school on the first day.
The Broward Million Father March will take place at all Broward County Public Schools on the first day of school, Mon-day, Aug. 20. School Board member Benjamin J. Williams and Superintendent Robert W. Runcie will mark the occasion at Stirling Elementary School (5500 Stirling Road, Hollywood) at 11 a.m., as part of the Superintendent’s first day of school visits.
“Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, better test scores, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college,” said Williams.
“On the first day of classes last year, more than 36,000 fathers and men who care for and about children took part in the Broward Million Father March by taking their sons and daughters to school for the start of the new school year. We hope to increase that number this year,” said Runcie.
