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Fort Bend Independent School DistrictNEWS RELEASE |
** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
Fort Bend ISD’s Title I Department’s Parental Engagement Programs Attract Dads to School
FORT BEND ISD - Fort Bend ISD's efforts to engage fathers and other adult male role models in the education process for students have taken off to a good start with the implementation of three major events sponsored by the district's Title I Special Programs Department. This year, Title I hosted its "Dynamic Dads" Conference, a Bring Your Dad to School Day, and a Fathers Reading Every Day (FRED) activity for fathers of students at all FBISD Title I campuses.
The "Dynamic Dads" Conference, the first of its kind in Fort Bend ISD, was offered free-of-charge to fathers (and other significant male family members) of FBISD students. The conference offered participants several break-out sessions to provide help with homework, school and family decision making, and other relevant topics. Mike Hall of Strong Fathers, Strong Families served as the keynote speaker for the event.
To help promote the conference, talk show host Debra Duncan invited conference coordinators and a small group of participating dads to appear on Great Day Houston. "Our appearance on the show helped get the word out about the conference, but due to poor weather, the conference welcomed fewer participants than we expected," said Amanda Hartley, Title I Coordinator.
The poor weather didn't dampen the spirits of FBISD dads; however, who turned out in record numbers for the "Bring Your Dad to School Day" event, held May 5. More than 630 fathers representing 13 FBISD campuses took part in the event.
"Staff at many of the participating Title I campuses were pleasantly surprised by the actual number of fathers who participated in Bring Your Dad to School Day," said Hartley. "At Goodman Elementary School, for instance, their goal was to recruit 30 fathers, but they actually had 130 fathers attend the event. Blue Ridge Elementary also had a large turnout with 75 dads in attendance."
The district-wide event gave dads the opportunity to visit their children's classrooms, tour the campus and learn about Project FRED, which encourages a family connection through literacy. Fathers were invited to sign up for the four-week program. Those who complete the program will receive certificates at a special presentation at their campuses.
"We are very pleased by the positive response of dads to our parental engagement projects," said Hartley. "They turned out in record numbers, showing they are eager to be a part of the education process. We hope to build on our progress and continue to offer exciting activities in which our parents can be involved."
A special thanks goes to all Title I Parent Center Coordinators, Parent Liaisons, school administrators and staff who contributed to the success of the parental engagement projects.
Photo: "Dynamic Dads" Conference participants with Debra Duncan at a taping of Great Day Houston.
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