Contributor

K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Jacob Oliva celebrated the fifth annual statewide “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” at Sneads Elementary School in Jackson County. Approximately 300 dads and male role models attended the event, which included a visit by Jamey Shouppe, Florida A&M University head baseball coach, and culminated in each classroom engaging fathers by holding a literacy activity.

“As a father of two young children, I am acutely aware of how important it is for fathers and father figures to participate and support their child’s education,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is known for providing students with a world-class education, and this is just another initiative we are taking to help students succeed. Today’s event is particularly important to highlighting positive male role models and the importance they play in shaping the lives of children. I commend the Florida Department of Education for creating this initiative and raising awareness to such an important cause.”

“Family engagement in education prepares Florida’s students to be life-long learners and meaningful members of society,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Fathers and father-figures play an important role in child development and academic success. As a father of six, I am blessed to foster a love of learning in my own children, and look forward to celebrating Dads Take Your Child to School Day.”

“I want to thank Sneads Elementary School and Jackson County Schools for hosting the ‘Dads Take Your Child to School Day’ event today,” said Chancellor of the Division of Public Schools Jacob Oliva. “I know from my personal experiences as a teacher, superintendent, and now Chancellor that it makes a huge impact when fathers and father figures participate in their child’s education.”

“Jackson County and Sneads Elementary School were pleased to host Dads Take Your Child to School Day,” said Jackson County Public Schools Superintendent Larry Moore. “We know how important fathers and male role models are to student success, and I applaud our families for coming out today to show their support.”

“Sneads Elementary School has tremendous backing from their families and the community,”said Principal of Sneads Elementary School Steve DeWitt. “We had a great turnout for‘Dads Take Your Child to School Day,’ and as principal, I can tell you that we are a success due in large part to this support.”

“Dads Take Your Child to School Day” began statewide in Florida in 2015 with the vision of fathers and father figures taking their student to school and learning how significant their presence is in their children’s schools. Research shows that when fathers and father figures are involved in a child’s education, children perform better academically, have fewer discipline problems and become more responsible adults.

For more information about the program, please visit Dads Take Your Child to School Day.

To view a short video on the importance of fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, foster fathers and other male role models in a child’s education, visit fldoe.org/videos.

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.