Miami-Dade County Public Schools Shine Brightly As Nationwide Leader

MIAMI - May 9, 2019 - PRLog -- Fathers in Education Day, Thursday, May 16, 2019, and Fathers in Action and Advocacy Week, May 13-17, 2019, are week-long initiatives celebrating the importance of fathers and male mentors in children's lives. On Fathers in Education Day, M-DCPS schools have invited fathers and male mentors to read, share interests and hobbies with students in their K-12 schools. Thousands of fathers each year volunteer to support student academics and their neighborhood schools.

The welcoming ceremony on Fathers in Education Day, May 16, 2019, is being held at DR. HENRY E. PERRINE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS, 8851 SW 168 St, Palmetto Bay, FL with a celebratory reception planned by the school for the fathers, male mentors and police officers who are greeting the children and families starting at 8:00 am.

"Statistics show that children's academics and social life benefit greatly when fathers and male role models are involved.  Everyone benefits. It's a win-win for the community. This is an unprecedented show of support," stated Holly Zwerling, CEO/President of the Fatherhood Task Force.

Miami-Dade County is a role model throughout Florida. Spearheading this initiative is the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida, M-DCPS Office of Community Engagement and M-DCPS The Parent Academy with enormous support by The Children's Trust.  With the continuous support of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and the M-DCPS School Board, this initiative strengthens every year and serves as a beacon of hope for other school districts.

During Fathers in Action & Advocacy Week May 13-17, 2019  M-D County schools will be holding father and family free workshops on "Strengthening Relationships by Talking and Listening" and many community organizations are presenting workshops on "Best Practices of Fatherhood – Dad Meet/Ups," "Challenges to Fathers and Family Health Care," "Mental Health Awareness in Schools/Traumatic Community Experiences in the Black Community," "Paternity, Separation and Divorce," and "Strengthening Family/Child Literacy through Play."  For a complete list of workshops: http://www.ftfsf.org

M-DCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho underscored the importance of fathers and male mentors in children's lives, stating, "When we talk about the importance of Fathers in Education, we are talking about fathers in the lives of children. Not just in schools but in the parks, libraries, museums, and their athletic activities."  He urged, "Show Up, Stand Up for children."  Fathers have reported that seeing the smiles on the student's faces reinforces how important their involvement is to them.  Fathers in Education Day and Fathers in Action & Advocacy Week is a positive initiative demonstrating that Miami-Dade County and M-DCPS have taken a leadership role in making it all come together.
For more information contact: Holly Zwerling, President/CEO,
Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida
http://www.ftfsf.org