Scenic Hills Elementary hosted “Donuts with Dad” in the school cafeteria on Friday. After serving donuts and juice, the event began with Wayman Thomas, the family engagement specialist, introducing himself. Next, Ms. Fleming, the school’s PTO president, told those gathered, “I love seeing the kids here,” emphasizing the importance of attendance. “Parents send you to school to learn,” she told the students. She made a strong effort to foster a sense of community and belonging. 

Those in attendance heard from Ms. Nolen, manager of a local Krispy Kreme Donuts, who shared her life story. She explained that she had been raised by a single father and understood the significance of fathers being actively involved in their children’s lives. 

Then, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Fernandez, representatives of Families Matter AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters), discussed services the program offers, which include connecting single fathers to job opportunities and helping manage child support payments. 

Two fathers, Maurice and Marco, shared that to be more engaged in their children’s lives, they have to set aside quality time. When asked why this was important, Maurice said, “If they don’t, something else is going to fill that time.” Another father, Julius, added that even though he receives calls from his son’s teacher, he believes, “If they [fathers] miss a part of their [children’s] lives, there’s still time to fix the problem.”

The event closed with remarks from Scenic Hills Principal Jami Fowler-White. 

The “Donuts with Dad” event not only provided a fun and welcoming environment for fathers and their children, but it also highlighted the importance of parental involvement in a child's education and development. By offering a space for meaningful connections and sharing valuable resources, the event emphasized how active fatherhood plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the community. With the heartfelt messages from both speakers and attendees, it was clear that when fathers engage in their children’s lives, it fosters a sense of support, responsibility, and shared purpose.

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