Fostering Stronger Bonds: Donuts With Dad Empowers Fathers at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School

In the early morning hours, the hallways of Great Oaks Legacy Charter School's Fairmount Heights Middle School came alive with the sound of laughter and the aroma of freshly baked donuts. This was the scene as fathers and father figures gathered for the third annual "Donuts With Dad" event, a heartwarming initiative aimed at strengthening the connection between students and their male role models.

Empowering Fathers, Enriching Students' Lives

Building a Sense of Community and Belonging

The "Donuts With Dad" event was the brainchild of HMS School Director Victoria Guest, who recognized the vital role that fathers and father figures play in the lives of students. By creating a dedicated space for these male role models to engage with their children, Guest sought to foster a stronger sense of community and belonging within the school.The event has seen a remarkable growth since its inception, with the number of participating fathers and father figures more than doubling from the initial 35 to nearly 100 this year. This surge in attendance underscores the deep-rooted desire of these male role models to be actively involved in their children's education and development.

Fostering Stronger Bonds and Encouraging Involvement

For Donald Jones, a first-time attendee, the "Donuts With Dad" event held a profound significance. As he sat across from his daughter Trinity, a sixth-grader, sharing donuts and laughter, Jones expressed the profound impact of the moment."This is my first time at the event, and it means everything to me," Jones said, his face beaming with pride. "It was a great time to bond with my baby and be with other dads. This has a positive impact on the children and helps encourage fathers to be part of their children's education."The event's success lies not only in its growth but in the connections it fosters between fathers, their children, and the school community. Jared Taillefer, Executive Director of Great Oaks Legacy Charter School, praised the event's impact, stating, "By hosting events that foster stronger relationships between fathers and their children, we're not just building connections at home, but laying the foundation for academic success and future growth."

Recognizing the Vital Role of Fathers

The "Donuts With Dad" event has also served as a platform to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of fathers and father figures in their children's education. Devon Bourne, whose son Kal'el is a seventh-grader at HMS, expressed his appreciation for the school's efforts."Dads don't always get recognized for their roles in their children's education, and it feels good to be appreciated," Bourne said.This sentiment was echoed by Kal'el, who shared his excitement at the opportunity to spend quality time with his father. "It feels good to take a break from school to spend time with my dad," he said. "This is why I like Great Oaks. They have specific events that are unique for students and our families."

Fostering a Lasting Impact

The impact of the "Donuts With Dad" event extends beyond the confines of the school walls. Guest has observed an increase in father participation across other school events, with more dads attending Back to School Night and HMS' annual Gratitude Lunch.For Trinity Jones, the event was a chance to celebrate her father's unwavering dedication. "I love this. My dad is the best dad ever," she said, her eyes shining with joy. "I wish my dad could come to school with me every day!"The "Donuts With Dad" event at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School has become a powerful testament to the transformative power of fostering stronger connections between fathers, their children, and the school community. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, the school is not only empowering fathers but also laying the foundation for the academic and personal success of its students.