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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Make way for room dads
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I enjoyed this sweet story about the Dad’s Club at Russell Elementary in Smyrna. They are basically the male version of the traditional room moms, the women who help teachers, run events and organize class parties.
I’ve noticed more volunteer dads lately. It used to be that you saw them more at sporting events. Now I see them at PTA meetings, parent-teacher conferences and many school performances.
Still, these active dads are a rarity. Of the nearly 6 million people who belong to Parent Teachers Associations, only 500,000 are men, according to the national organization.
I’ve had some men tell me they’re met with resistance when they ask to help out. Teachers and principals ask if they’re serious when they offer to volunteer.
What benefit do kids and schools get from room dads? What can be done to get more of them?
UPDATE: I want to be sure that you saw that Gwinnett County school leaders posted more information about their plan to be exempt from state mandates.
