CMSD Fathers Matters

CMSD Fathers Matter is an initiative of CMSD Parent University designed to engage, empower, and connect fathers and positive male role models in support of scholar success. Through year-round programs, special events, and community partnerships, we are building a movement that encourages men to show up, stay involved, and make a lasting impact in the lives of children.

Tomorrow, Thursday, September 17, 2026, CMSD schools across the district will welcome fathers, father figures, male caregivers, mentors, and positive male role models for the:

21st Annual Fathers Walk: A Day of Engagement.

This day is about more than walking a scholar into school.

It is about presence.

It is about encouragement.

It is about connection.

It is about reminding every scholar that they are supported by family, school, and community.

CMSD Fathers Matter is an initiative of CMSD Parent University designed to engage, empower, and connect fathers, father figures, male caregivers, mentors, and positive male role models in support of scholar success. Through year-round programs, special events, and community partnerships, CMSD is building a movement that encourages men to show up, stay involved, and make a lasting impact in the lives of children.

We are proud to share that 63 of 63 available CMSD schools have confirmed participation in Fathers Walk 2026.

That is 100% districtwide participation and a first for CMSD — a Fathers Walk effort reaching every available school across K-8 schools, high schools, and remote school communities.

This historic moment reflects the commitment of our school leaders, educators, families, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for fathers, father figures, mentors, male caregivers, and positive male role models to show up for scholars.

This is how we Let ’Em Know.

This is how we show up.

This is how we keep building brighter futures.

Families should check directly with their child’s school for specific Fathers Walk details, including arrival times, visitor procedures, parking, activities, and any school-specific instructions.

All visitors should follow school check-in procedures when arriving.

Fathers, father figures, male caregivers, mentors, and positive male role models who want to stay connected beyond Fathers Walk are invited to become CMSD Fathers Matter Champions. Champions may receive updates about Fathers Walk, Fathers Matter sessions, volunteer opportunities, family engagement events, mentoring opportunities, and other district initiatives.

Fathers Walk is open to fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, adult brothers, mentors, coaches, pastors, neighbors, alumni, male caregivers, and other positive male role models.

We also recognize that showing up can look different for every family. Some fathers and father figures may not be able to attend a morning event because of work, caregiving, transportation, or other responsibilities. Their love, support, provision, calls, encouragement, and involvement still matter.

Fathers Walk is one opportunity — but it should not be the only opportunity.

The first step is the walk.

Across CMSD, schools are planning a variety of activities to make Fathers Walk meaningful for their communities. Depending on the school, families may experience:

• Morning walks with scholars
• Breakfast or coffee conversations
• Classroom visits
• Literacy activities
• Mentoring circles
• Assemblies
• Wellness conversations
• College and career readiness activities
• Lunch or after-school events
• Virtual engagement opportunities
• Student reflections and pledge activities

Each school’s event may look different, but the message is the same:

One Morning Leads to a Lifetime of Impact.

CMSD Fathers Walk participants may have access to a special DAD PASS opportunity, thanks to the CMSD Interscholastic Athletics and Student Activities Office.

Participating schools will receive information about how eligible fathers and father figures can access a future CMSD Senate League football, volleyball, or basketball game opportunity. Families should check with their child’s school for details and availability.

Showing up matters — and CMSD appreciates the men who show up for our scholars.

Schools have already started posting Fathers Walk flyers, and the gallery will continue to grow with photos, videos, and special moments from the day. Check it out now and come back after Fathers Walk to see how CMSD showed up!

CMSD staff are encouraged to help document and celebrate the day by capturing photos, short video clips, quotes, and reflections, while following all student media permission and school procedures.

When posting on social media, please tag:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

Suggested hashtags:

#CMSDFathersMatter

#FathersWalk2026

#FathersWalkCLE

#EveryScholarDeservesAManWhoShowsUp

#OneMorningLifetimeImpact

#LetEmKnow

Fathers Walk is part of CMSD’s larger commitment to strengthening family and community engagement. Through CMSD Fathers Matter, we want to continue building opportunities for fathers, father figures, mentors, and positive male role models to stay connected throughout the school year.

That may include:

• School-based parent committees
• District Parent Advisory Committee opportunities
• Dad’s Clubs or male engagement groups
• Mentoring and literacy activities
• Wellness and family learning events
• CMSD Fathers Matter gatherings
• Volunteer and community partnership opportunities

Because our scholars need us beyond one day.

Thank you to every family member, staff member, school leader, partner, volunteer, father, father figure, mentor, and community member helping make Fathers Walk 2026 possible.

Tomorrow, we walk.

After tomorrow, we keep showing up.

CMSD Fathers Matter

Fathers Walk is a powerful beginning, but the real impact grows when fathers and father figures continue building meaningful time with their children throughout the year.

The Create Ritual Dad Time activity from The Fatherhood Project encourages fathers to set aside consistent one-on-one time with their child, choose activities together, stay present, talk during the time together, and reflect afterward.

The resource includes simple guidelines, activity ideas, space to brainstorm possible rituals, and a reflection log families can use to keep the connection going.

Keep the connection going at home. Download the September 2026 CMSD Family-Scholar Daily Activity Calendars for simple daily ideas that support learning, attendance, routines, and family conversation for scholars from Early Childhood through High School.

Fathers Walk is about showing up for scholars — but it is also a reminder that fatherhood and positive male involvement can strengthen men, families, and communities.

Research shared by the National Fatherhood Initiative highlights that involved dads may experience stronger physical and mental health, increased self-esteem, stronger family ties, greater community involvement, and healthier life choices. Families and staff are encouraged to view and share the Father Well-Being infographic:

This is another reason why CMSD Fathers Matter continues beyond one day. When fathers and father figures are supported, scholars, families, schools, and communities benefit.

As we celebrate Fathers Walk, we also want to share resources that encourage reflection and continued engagement beyond one day.

Fatherhood 101 is a feature documentary that explores fatherhood through personal stories, expert perspectives, and reflections from fathers across different backgrounds. Directed by Cleveland native Marquette Williams, the film highlights presence, responsibility, love, and the important role fathers play in a child’s development.

This is a meaningful resource for fathers, father figures, mentors, and male role models committed to showing up for children and families.