CLEVELAND — In a nod to the times, the annual Fathers Walk -- a Cuyahoga County tradition that usually brings hundreds of dads together at their child’s school -- has been moved online.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the walk will take place on virtually on Zoom at 9 am on Thursday Oct. 15.
All Cuyahoga County fathers of K-8 students attending public, private and charter schools are welcome to participate in the free event, which is hosted by The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, Passages Inc. and the Healthy Fathering Collaborative.
Typically at the Fathers Walk, the dads spend the morning walking their child into the school building and then participating in activities with the students.
This year’s event will have some of the same highlights, but also will emphasize the positive effect that a dad can have on his children’s school performance now that many students are learning at home, said Steve Killpack, Healthy Fathering Collaborative executive director.
“We encourage all fathers to attend the Virtual Fathers Walk and to reach out to their children's schools to continue involvement throughout the school year. Father and male mentor involvement in education matters more than ever this year during the pandemic,” said Killpack.
WKYC Studios is the sponsor of the virtual Fathers Walk, and it will be emceed by 3News reporter Brandon Simmons, who participates every year with his two daughters.
During the Zoom call, speakers will share tips fathers can use to help their children succeed with at-home learning, and participating dads will recite together a pledge to stay involved with their children’s education.
Also, WKYC Director of Advocacy & Community Initiatives Margaret Bernstein will premiere her newest storybook for dads, titled “The Fathers Walk.”
You can learn more about the Fathers Walk in a story 3News did in 2018 below.
