Breakfast with dad: All Pro Dads program launches in Shelby County schools

The All Pro Dads Initiative for Shelby County Schools kicked off in the Shelby County school district this fall with chapters launching in elementary and intermediate schools.

A national nonprofit organization with more than 1,300 chapters in 44 states — including the 15 new chapters in Shelby County Schools — All Pro Dads was launched in 1997 with the assistance of former NFL coach Tony Dungy as a division of the national nonprofit organization Family First.

The goal of the program is to invite dads and father figures to spend quality time with their children at school, something that research has shown will not only help to develop strong relationships between fathers and their children but also benefits the school and community.

Six times during the 2019-20 school-year, fathers and father figures will be asked to join their child for breakfast. All Pro Dads emphasizes “father figures” because they know not every child has a father in the home and can include stepdads, foster parents, grandparents or neighbors.

“We are elated to launch All Pro Dad as a parent involvement initiative for Shelby County Schools,” Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks said. “Research shows that when dads are involved at school, academic achievement increases. We feel strongly that this will create meaningful and positive bonds with children and their dads. I’m excited about this opportunity and grateful to partner with All Pro Dad and Family First to positively impact our children.”

The monthly meetings feature conversation prompts for discussion during breakfast. All Pro Dads offers daily conversation starters and activities for fathers and father figures through weekly emails.

Chelsea Park Elementary Team Captain Anna Byers didn’t know much about the program when she was asked to be in charge of it for her school, but said in the first few months of the program, she has enjoyed the dads having an opportunity to spend some quality time with their kids at school.

“I was kind of blown away by the number of dads who were willing and excited to participate,” Byers said. “It has been neat to see from my perspective just how proud and excited the kids are to show their dads where they are every day.”

Byers said it can be tough for a dad to set up a meaningful conversation with their child, but this program provides a good launching pad.

“It’s neat to see the dads take charge and dive in and ask questions regarding topics not normally discussed,” she said. “In this inaugural year of the program, we want to get the ball rolling for dads to feel more welcome at school, and we are already seeing the fruits of them being here more often.”

Leadership and creativity have already been discussed, and additional topics planned for the year include service, gentleness, courage and forgiveness.

For more information on All Pro Dads, visit allprodadsday.com.