All eight Michigan City Area Schools elementary buildings will soon launch chapters of a nationwide program called “All Pro Dad.”

All Pro Dad Chapters provide an opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their children to strengthen their relationships. One day a month, dads or other father figures and their kids meet at school together and walk through various topics that invoke meaningful conversations.  The character-based curriculum encourages communication and growth between dads and their children, at an age-appropriate level. Meetings center on topics such as forgiveness, leadership, humility, and purpose; take-home resources provide an easy way for dads and children to continue the conversation and do fun activities related to the character topic discussed at the meeting. 

The program typically takes place for an hour before school, however, each MCAS elementary school will offer meeting times and dates that work best for them. 

MCAS School Board President Marty Corley brought the program to Michigan City after hearing about it at a recent National School Boards Association conference. He will lead the chapter at Edgewood Elementary, where his son is a student.

“I am excited about this program because it provides the materials and activities to help dads build strong relationships with their children,” he says. “Once dads are comfortable participating in these activities and being in the school environment, I’m hoping it will lead them to become more involved in other ways at schools, too.” 

Funding for chapter materials and licensing was made possible by a grant from the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County.

Fathers and father figures interested in taking part should contact their children’s school office. 

For more information about the program, visit AllProDad.com.