The school struggled with student fights in September that left a total of 23 students in jail. The city was overwhelmed and unsure of how to reduce fighting. After a fight broke out on September 17, one of the school dads, Michael LaFitte, gathered some other parents to talk about how they could help end violence in the school.
Born out of “concern and love,” LaFitte created the group called “Dads on Duty.” The Southwood dad called a group of parents he knew were active at the school, and an expected 45-minute meeting lasted four hours and produced a plan.
They decided to send a group of fathers to the school to patrol and walk around and “show a strong male presence on campus,” LaFitte said in an interview with USA TODAY. He added that “it’s something about seeing a man, a positive male figure, a father, your daddy or whatever you want to call them, at the school. It will make you straighten up and fly right.”
A group of more than 40 dads started their mission at 7:30 a.m. before the first bell on September 20. Every single day since then, Dads on Duty have shown up in the morning to greet and engage with the students.
Mr. LaFitte said they talk to students about life skills, grooming and taking care of themselves, and self-respect. Wearing matching black T-Shirts with “Dads on Duty” printed across the front, the fathers balance their work schedules with the higher calling of being a parent. They switch off from other things while they are at the school in the morning, during lunch, and after school.
The Dads have gotten national attention and are hoping to expand across the country. Many are hopeful that mentor groups such as this one can help young people create a better life.
Try a quiz based on this article
What led the dads to start the Dads on Duty program?
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Fights between students at school.
The founder of the group, Michael LaFitte, felt that a strong male presence on school grounds would help to reduce violence at the school.
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True.
How many dads showed up at the school on September 20?
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More than 40.
Lafitte wants the dads to appear like they are the students’ “cool uncles.”
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True.
According to the article, what do the dads feel is the biggest issue that high school students have?
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They feel as though no one listens to them.
There have still been several fights, though less than normal, since the Dads on Duty program began.
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False.
The dads wear matching t-shirts that read _________.
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“Dads on Duty”.
The dads are hoping this idea will catch on all across the country.
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True.
Dads on Duty started out at Southwood High School in Louisiana.
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True.
What motivated the dads to get involved with the school?
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The dads wanted to help the students out of “concern and love.”.
