Y2K Academy Holds 2nd Annual Fathers As First Teachers Back to School Gospel Fest

July 29, 2011 - PRLog -- In celebration of its 2nd annual region-wide back-to-school gathering, Suffolk-based Y2K Academy, asks Hampton Roads Dads to take their children to school on the first day of school, as a means to increase graduation rates and improve student performance in local schools.

The “Fathers As First Teachers on the First Day of School” event kicks off on Friday, August 19th at 10 a.m. with a family picnic and Gospel festival at Lake Meade Park (Kid Zone) located directly behind Farm Fresh, 1401 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434.

Dadz May Register to Take Their Children to School & for School Supplies at: http://y2kdadzaward.webs.com/1stdayofschoolsignup.htm

Fathers, mothers, children and the community are all invited to participate in the event. The event is free, but registration is required. Attending individuals, groups and specifically families wishing to receive school supplies must register online at http://Y2KDadzAward.Webs.Com/1stDayOfSchoolSignUp.htm.  

The drop-out prevention initiative is a component of its Y2K Dadz Responsible Fatherhood Initiative and funded by The Master’s House Church. “We developed this initiative out of our growing concern over the region’s AYP failures and increasing school drop-out rates,” stated Dr. Princella Johnson, Y2K Academy Founder.

“Department of Education research clearly shows that father involvement in the educational process increases students’ academic performance,” she said. “Students who drop out of the school system are at-risk for drug use, teen pregnancy and criminal activity,” states Y2K Dadz Director Maurice Johnson. “This initiative is designed to decrease “idle minds and hands” from gang involvement and any type of negative behavior. We believe our efforts will eventually lead to increased public safety, poverty reduction and create more tax-paying, productive citizens,” he said.

The event features a keynote address by Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris, Suffolk Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court; Dr. Jacqueline Chavis, Deputy Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools will also give remarks at the gathering.

The Suffolk Police Department’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team will provide a Gang Awareness/Prevention presentation for parents and youth. The Triple-T Sports Tumble Bus will be on site to provide gymnastics demonstrations.

The event also features sermonettes by Hampton Roads pastors, Gospel music choirs, liturgical dancers, father-child karaoke, relay races, mini golf course, bounce machine, the Chic-Fil-A® cow, prizes, food, and open-mic entertainment. Suffolk Fire Department will support the event with child tours a fire engine and EMT team to address heat-related concerns. Pop-up tents, blankets, strollers and lawn chairs welcomed.

Stringent safety measures will be in place to prevent children from being separated from their parents. Sponsored by The Master’s House, Colley Avenue Dairy Queen, Main Street Chic-Fil-A, Quality Community Supports, Inc. & Suffolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority.

VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS OF BACKPACKS NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT!
2 Community Planning Meetings Will Be Held:
August 5, 2011 @ 2:30pm, Suffolk Workforce Dev. Ctr. 157 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA August 12, 2011 @ 2:30pm Suffolk Workforce Dev. Ctr. 157 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA

Y2K Academy is a Christ-centered youth and parental mentoring agency, operated by The Master’s House Church, with the distinction of developing Virginia’s first-ever online mentoring program. Mentors are needed for youth and Dads.

To volunteer, sponsor this event or donate backpacks or school supplies, or for more information or interviews, please contact, Dr. Princella Johnson, (757) 925-4545.

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Y2K Academy is a Christ-centered youth and parental mentoring agency with the distinction of developing Virginia’s first-ever online mentoring program. Contact Dr. Princella Johnson, 757-925-4545 Visit us: http://y2kacademy.webs.com