Members of several local community groups have partnered with Broward County Public Schools again this year for the Million Father March Back to School campaign – encouraging fathers to accompany their children to school on the first day of classes, Monday, August 24.

    As part of the campaign, supporters have been passing out flyers at local parks and churches.  Automated telephone calls have been made to Broward County Public Schools parents of students, encouraging dads to walk or drive their children to school on the first day of classes. 

    “On the first day of classes last year, more than 28,000 fathers and men who care for and about children took the time to accompany our students to school on this all-important start of the new school year.  We hope to dramatically increase that number this year,” said Superintendent James F. Notter.

    Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. School Board member Benjamin J. Williams believes, “Involved parents produce better communities, better schools, and better students with higher academic achievements.”

    In the days approaching the first day of school, Monday, August 24, members of local community groups involved in the Million Father March including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Westside Gazette, the Urban League, International Longshoremen’s Association, and Broward Health and Friends of Children, will be promoting the campaign.

    The Million Father March will take place at many schools throughout Broward County on August 24.  Superintendent James F. Notter, School Board member Benjamin J. Williams, Charles Saylors, President of the National Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) and Bernie Kemp, President Broward County Council of PTA, will mark the occasion at Charles R. Drew Elementary School (1000 NW 13th Avenue, Pompano Beach), when students and their fathers arrive for the first day of school.