The nationwide initiative encourages fathers and father figures to take an active role in their children’s education by accompanying them to school. In GCSD, the annual event welcomes all caregivers, creating a celebration of connection and community.
This morning, our schools were alive with energy as students arrived hand-in-hand with parents and family members. Well over 100 families joined children in classrooms, participated in activities and lessons, and attended special assemblies—including the RJB 5th grade IB Unit launch of “How We Express Ourselves.” During the kickoff, students were invited to reflect on the meaning of expression. “Right now we are already expressing ourselves and we are going to talk about why expression matters. Just think to yourself right now—how are you feeling? Now let that out as a sound,” a teacher prompted, sparking an eruption of cheers that rippled throughout the auditorium.
At Highview, one group of parents were able to experience their children learning Mandarin. They looked on with obvious respect as their children wrote and then spoke numbers, circling their age. One father commented, “Wow, this is so good!”
The event is a long-standing tradition in the Greenburgh schools, one that continues to highlight the deep connections between families and learning. A grandfather joining his grandson in the ECP class said, “You have to be here. You have to represent.”
Superintendent Dr. Lorenda Chisolm, who made visits to each school, said that events like Dads Bring Your Child to School Day carry a powerful hidden curriculum. "Beyond the simple act of arrival, they serve as meaningful opportunities to recognize and affirm the presence of fathers and father figures in our children's educational journeys."
She continued: "By celebrating the involvement of the men in our communities, we send a strong message about the value of shared responsibility, positive role modeling, and the diverse forms of support that contribute to student success and well-being."
One ECP student was especially excited to share classroom materials with her father. She pointed out bins filled with art supplies and said, “I love doing art, and the wide paint markers are my favorite thing to use!”
Thank you to all the families who joined us, and to the administration, faculty, and staff who make this tradition possible year after year. It takes a great deal of organization and attention to have an event like this run safely and smoothly, and we truly appreciate their hard work.