Brian Mattson has a lot of roles in his life: husband, father of two, lead pastor of the Downtown Church in Springfield, and Strong Schools captain for McGregor Elementary.
Brian heard about this new way to get involved in his community from Good Dads’ founder Dr. Jennifer Baker, who attends church where Brian is lead pastor. He was instantly supportive of a program that increased father engagement with students in elementary schools.
“I knew the needs of the fatherhood epidemic in America … I wanted to start something,” he said.
Since McGregor Elementary is the closest school to the Downtown Church, so Brian figured that would be a good place to start. Serving as captain for over six years, he enjoys the memories formed between dads and kids through simple activities, such as creating fun creatures and monsters out of craft supplies.
“(There’s a) back and forth with working together … (It’s my) favorite thing at most meetings,” Brian said.
When dads and students spend quality time before school one morning a week to collaborate on an activity together, Brian says he’s seen “real emotions and responses,” because there are moments fathers and their students are able to discuss how proud of each other they are.
“Eyes get misty when they get recognition from kids,” Brian said.
Brian’s two children, Jack (6) and Dorothy (4), enjoy spending time with their father. They’re proud of the fact that he’s a pastor, and they enjoy time spent reading, making paper airplanes and playing baseball together.
“He’s fun, and I like him, and he always takes me to do fun things, and I love him,” Dorothy said.
“What could possibly be better than spending time with a great dad?” Jack said.
Although Brian’s children don’t attend school where he serves as captain, he stressed the importance of positive interactions between school staff, fathers and students, allowing this positive connection to be integrated in the education process and so kids can “learn to love learning.”
He encourages other fathers to consider volunteering at their own child’s elementary school. He says it’s important to know your neighbors and form strong communities to counteract the negative aspects of the world.
If you’re nervous about becoming a captain, Brian says it’s important to remember you’re going to have fun.
“(There’s) no such thing as perfect,” Brian said. “Be as involved as you can be. Try to have as much fun as you can. (There) might be trips and falls along the way—but keep going.”
The Good Dads Strong Schools curriculum features low tech, tactile activities on a variety of important character-related topics, like honesty, teamwork, listening and creativity. If you have a willingness to get involved and have a good attitude, Brian says it’s a great opportunity to have fun with your child.
“Getting involved is important, not only for you but for the kids, family and community.”
Help Good Dads this back-to-school season by supporting the Good Dads Strong Schools program. We’re offering a fun opportunity for hundreds of dads like Brian every single month—by inviting them to share breakfast, play an activity and learn an important character lesson before school with their young learners.
When you support Strong Schools, you’re helping us find more amazing captains like Brian. You’re helping us enter more schools who know that responsible fathers matter to their students’ achievement. You’re helping Good Dads build better communities.
Find out how you can bring the Strong Schools program to your neighborhood school by heading to our website. And donate to support the program online today!
