(EDIT: We were asked over e-mail and below in comments to remove our header image due to, you know, legal stuff. The request came from Strong Fathers Strong Families, the originator of many “Bring Your Dad to School” programs that have been running for over 10 years now. We complied.)

If you’re a father living in New York, you’re urged to take your child to school or Head Start on September 20th. A program called “Dads Take Your Child To School” has taken root and is growing every year.

The program is a collaboration between [breath] the Administration for Children and Families, Region II, New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Office of Children and Family Services, the Stronger Families New York Coalition, other statewide partners, and New York City agencies including the Departments of Youth and Community Development, Education, the Mayor’s Office, and the Administration for Children’s Services.

In 2011, more than 9,000 fathers participated at 106 New York schools, 99 Head Start locations, and over 50 community-based partner organizations. Schools were able to work with the fathers to secure donations and sign-ups for school activities and events.

When fathers are involved, says the National Fatherhood Initiative, students are more likely to get good grades, get through school without repeating grades, and have fewer behavioral problems.

Call your local school to see if they’ve got an event on September 20th for fathers. Even if they don’t, that shouldn’t stop you.