In the latest episode of the Good Dads Great Communities podcast, we spoke to the experts about father involvement in elementary schools. Founder/director Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and co-host J. Fotsch welcome Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap and Good Dads Board Member Dr. Mike Dawson—an experienced educator and retired Branson Schools administrator—for a meaningful discussion about how even a few minutes of presence can positively impact schools, families, and communities. With over 70 years of combined educational experience, Jim and Mike share heartfelt, humorous and insightful perspectives on how dads influence school culture through simple, deliberate actions.
Their message is straightforward: Connecting with your child doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. It’s not about perfection as a parent…but about showing up. Sometimes it’s enjoying a donut before class and making paper airplanes in the cafeteria. These small moments are significant, too! And, as we argue in this episode of the podcast, these small opportunities to connect can influence not only children but also whole communities.
The Everyday Power of Being Present
Jim and Mike, both experienced educators and fathers, have observed how school engagement transforms when dads are welcomed into the environment. Typically, many fathers come to schools only when issues arise, but invitations to positive events like a Good Dads Strong Schools breakfast can change that.
“It’s superhero day,” Mike explains. “Just being there for 20 minutes makes a significant difference.” It creates a ripple effect, improving classroom atmosphere, staff morale and the wider community, as Mike’s seen first-hand.
The activities in Good Dads Strong Schools are deliberately simple: craft a paper airplane, create a book-holding stand, or (a fan favorite) race an Oreo from your forehead to your mouth. These easy and accessible activities encourage vulnerability in fathers, prompt laughter with their children and foster trust in environments where male role models can be rare.
“You don’t need to prepare or plan,” Jim said, emphasizing the minimal work needed ahead of time to make a Strong Schools event a success. “All we need is a space, a time and permission.”
Beyond the Donuts
What makes Strong Schools unique is that these aren’t just isolated moments. They serve as gateways to deeper relationships. Each session provides a take-home parent page with tips that encourage dads to keep the conversation going at home.
Plus, the program is not limited to biological fathers. Grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, and other father figures are also encouraged to participate.
“It’s a big return on a small investment of time,” says Dr. Baker.
The latest episode of Good Dads Great Communities also explores how Strong Schools events help fathers build relationships with each other, creating new networks of support that go beyond the school.
“You’ve got guys in suits and scrubs all trying to catch Oreos on their face,” Mike laughs. “That kind of camaraderie matters.”
Final Takeaway for Dads
Strong schools aren’t built by chance! They grow when dads get involved.
Being present at your student’s school, even once a month during the school year, can create powerful memories, improve the school environment, and form lasting bonds with your child.
As Dr. Baker says, “You can’t buy marketing like that.”
The laughter, trust, and ripple effect of those 20 minutes just might be the most important part of your kid’s school year.
To the dismay of students everywhere, back-to-school season is right around the corner! Now is the perfect time to get involved in Good Dads Strong Schools. Here are four things you can do today to make a difference in youngsters’ educations:
- Donate to support the program. Help us support responsible fatherhood in more schools throughout Missouri and beyond.
- Bring the program to your neighborhood elementary school. And don’t miss out on our summer sale! For a limited time only, save $50 when you buy all three years of the program.
- Hear from students and fathers. Just in time for back to school, we’re sharing the stories of folks who love participating in Good Dads Strong Schools.
- Volunteer. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together. When the school year starts, we’ll be looking for early-risers who can help us check in guests, serve breakfast, help run activities and give out prizes at Good Dads Strong Schools events.
Learn More
Subscribe to the Good Dads Podcast and sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter to stay connected. For more tips, insights, and resources, visit gooddads.com, or reach out to the team at [email protected].
