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September 16, 2014
New York City Marks Dads Take Your Child to School (DTYCTS) Day 2014
— NYC Officials Launch Kick-off Event —
On September 16, 2014, New York City observed Dads Take Your Child to School (DTYCTS) Day, an event that encourages the positive involvement of fathers and father figures in the lives of their children. Fathers at schools and early care and education centers citywide brought their children to school and participated in fatherhood empowerment activities. This is the seventh year of the DTYCTS Day campaign in New York State and it has grown from one participating school in 2006 to over 500 schools, Head Start programs, and community partners this year.
At the Hellen Keller School (PS 153) in the Bronx, Parent Coordinator Ronald Hartridge and Principal Meghan Kelly welcomed approximately 80 fathers who brought their children to school. Staff from Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Division of Child Protection (DCP) in the Bronx provided information on child safety, and child well-being to fathers. On hand at P.S. 153 to recognize fathers for their positive involvement in the lives of their children were: Alan Farrell, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources Administration (HRA), Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr., and Councilman Andy King. In Brooklyn, at MS 442, Carroll Gardens School for Innovation, Parent Coordinator Ed Castro, Principal Deanna Sinito and other school officials along with a representative from ACS Early Care and Education welcomed fathers to their first ever DTYCS celebration. Brooklyn DCP child protective staff along with members from the Brooklyn Fatherhood Partnership, partnered with 31 public schools throughout the borough, each school hosting activities for over 65 dads.
ACS Commissioner Gladys Carrión said of the effort, “As Commissioner of Children’s Services, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of active and supportive fathers. I am especially proud of the work our agency has done this year in collaboration with community organizations, New York City agency partners and elected officials to mobilize community leaders, schools and early childhood providers to promote father engagement and the Fatherhood Initiative.”
On Friday, September 12, 2014, NYC Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery, led City officials at the kick-off to launch the “NYC Official Dads Take Your Child to School” Day and Beyond. The Deputy Mayor presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Bill de Blasio declaring September 16 as “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” in New York City. ACS First Deputy Commissioner Eric Brettschneider, Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Deputy Commissioner Sandra Gutierrez, HRA Commissioner Steven Banks, Department of Education (DOE) Senior Deputy Chancellor Dorita Gibson, Director, Dunlevy Milbank Campus, Children’s Aid Society, Casper Lassiter, and special guest speaker, Campaign Manager for Black Male Achievement at Open Society Foundations Shawn Dove, were among representatives from New York City agencies, community partners, who attended the event which was held at The Children’s Aid Society Dunlevy Milbank Children’s Center in Manhattan. During the event, Dale Joseph, Assistant Commissioner, ACS Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) , and Melvin, Alston, OCP Facilitator, presented a certificate of commendation to Alan Farrell for his contributions to empowering fathers during his tenure as the Coordinator of the Mayor’s Fatherhood Initiative.
Congressman Charles Rangel led the large group of elected officials attending the event and he offered his support for the effort for increased fatherhood involvement, and called for schools to be more father-friendly. Also speaking the event were New York State Senator Bill Perkins, and New York State Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright. The audience at the kick-off heard inspirational messages from Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt and from fathers who spoke about the challenges and rewards of being responsible fathers.
The kick-off was organized by the Responsible Fatherhood Coalition, a citywide collaboration of service providers, community stakeholders, and City and State agencies, focused primarily on recognizing and empowering fathers, father figures, in the lives of children. The collaboration brings together these partners to share vital resources and work with schools to organize DTYCTS Day as well as school and family-related activities throughout the year.
ACS OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Contact: pressoffice@acs.nyc.gov (212) 341-0999