One school district in the Capital Region is trying to highlight the importance of male role models by offering up an opportunity for students, their dads and other father-like figures to start their mornings together.
“We needed a way to find a way to at least have a way that the men in our community show our students that they support them,” explained Cliff Bird, an elementary school principal in the Cohoes City School District.
Eight years ago, Bird helped launch an annual mentor walk.
“There is a gentleman in my school that this is the only day, every year that he feels he can walk his students to school because he can’t take off work,” he said.
Studies show having a balanced contribution from male and female role models helps ensure well-rounded personalities and perspectives.
“Anytime that there is a pause or a responsible thing that you can kind of step into, you can just spend an extra half-hour or whatever the case may be, I always jump at the opportunity,” said one dad, Brandon Russ.
The program has grown over the years to include the middle school.
“It’s a beautiful time to spend with our kids and our grandkids,” said Will Charbonneau, whose granddaughter, Aria, just began middle school. “Try to help them through their journey, through school.”
Charbonneau’s granddaughter added, “We get to go to the park, we get to dance and we get to celebrate.”
The entertainment never disappoints. This year, Downbeat Percussion, the official drumline of the Buffalo Bills, led the way.
Bird hopes students, their dads and other father-like figures walk away inspired.
“This is just one moment in time,” Bird said. “But we think it’s important that we make a statement that the men support our students here at school.”