Local Fathers Invited to Area Schools

Tomorrow is “Take a Father to School Day” at Pittsburgh Public Schools. This 11-year tradition will entail public school students taking their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other adult male role models into school for breakfasts, tours, and myriad other activities. School Board member Mark Brentley Sr. says he created this program over a decade ago in response to the pervasive lack of school involvement from Pittsburgh-area fathers. Brentley says since then, teachers and administrators have reported a large increase in male enrollment in PTA and PTO meetings. “We’ve actually heard a couple of stories of men reuniting with their former young ladies or women or wives, and some who have recommitted themselves to raising the children. Even though they may not be together as a couple, they’ve agreed to do that. It’s been wonderful,” says Brentley. He adds that its important to remember that sexism is in no way implied – he just wants area men to “do their part” in raising their children.