Dads at the Doors Makes Big Impact
In a world where parent involvement is often the backbone of a child's success, there is growing evidence that one group of parents, in particular, can have an outsized impact on their children's education: dads. While moms are typically seen as the primary link between school and home, men play a crucial role, too—especially when they actively engage with school life. Hillcrest’s Lower School has taken an innovative step to emphasize this connection this year by launching the "Dads at the Doors" initiative, encouraging fathers to be visibly present. This movement builds a stronger bridge between home and school and celebrates fathers' powerful and positive impact on children’s education.
Fathers who actively participate in children's schooling send a powerful message. When men show up, it demonstrates to children that their education is important and deserving of time and effort from the entire family. By simply being visible—greeting students at the doors, walking the hallways, or attending school events—dads offer unique benefits that can have long-lasting effects on their children and others. Research shows that the presence of fathers in school environments is linked to higher academic achievement, better behavior, and increased motivation.
The Hillcrest Lower School’s “Dads at the Doors” program has become a wonderful way to bring these benefits to life. Fathers take turns greeting students as they enter the building, giving high-fives, smiles, and words of encouragement. This initiative isn’t just about opening doors; it’s about opening opportunities for connection, encouragement, and leadership. Hillcrest’s goal is to make dads feel like they belong in the school setting, creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
Fathers who participate share how these moments highlight their week—an intentional way to connect with their children and other students. Students, in turn, light up when they see these men, their friends' dads, welcoming them to school. These small acts of presence create a school culture that values men and fathers as active partners in the educational journey, fostering a linked, united, and supportive school-home community.
The unique qualities that men bring—a sense of humor, firm handshakes, or words of wisdom—offer benefits that shape a child’s school experience. Fathers provide strong role models, demonstrate the importance of showing up, and offer different perspectives contributing to a well-rounded upbringing. Hillcrest’s “Dads at the Doors” is a reminder of how small acts of presence can lead to big impacts.