Donuts For Dad

The following story and these photos were submitted by Veronica Douglas-Givan.

Proud fathers, uncles, father figures, along with members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the New Haven Police Department packed two kindergarten classrooms at Edgewood Magnet School in celebration of Father’s Day and a very special event entitled, ​“Donuts for Dads Day.”

“Dads Make a Difference” was the message shared at the Friday event, as the students built special projects with their fathers.

Each father went home with unique gifts: a handmade tie and a self portrait created by their children.

Inspired by President Obama’s Fatherhood initiative, members of the fraternity and police department celebrated with the fathers and came to the school today to stand in the gap as community leaders and male role models for fathers who could not attend the celebration due to work or other circumstances.

Kindergarten teacher Michelle Paulishen said this year’s event was the best ever. ​“Fathers involvement is essential in our schools. I was so pleased to see so many dads participate today. Seeing the smiles on my students’ faces, while their dads spent quality time in our classroom made the day a complete success. And it made me feel good as a teacher knowing we have outstanding parent and community involvement.”

​“President Obama made a pledge and our fraternity has joined him by making a pledge that we’ll do everything we can to be there for our children and for young people whose fathers are not around. The turnout here today at Edgewood was so encouraging,” said Glen Worthy, president of the Omegas and the new principal of Hillhouse High School.

The Omegas also have a reading program for boys ages 6- 12 held twice a month in the West River Community.

Edgewood Magnet’s ​“Muffins for Moms Day” was just as successful. School leaders plan to add other innovative programs to encourage and increase parent involvement.