Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr. has proclaimed Sept. 1 and 2, as “The Back toSchool Days of Prayer” in the Virgin Islands and Sept. 4 as “The Day of the V.I.Father’s March”—a day for parents, particularly fathers, to join their children in preparing for the first day of school as part of a commitment to their children’s education.
The first day of school is an important time for all students, and is an opportunity for parents to establish an ongoing presence and interest in their children’s education. By participating in the V.I. Father’s March and other Back to School activities, parents and caregivers are providing a positive environment for their children’s learning, educational development and success in school.
“On these Back to School Days of Prayer, I call upon the territory’s clergy to lead the community in prayer on behalf of the students, teachers and administrators returning to school here in the Virgin Islands and abroad,” de Jongh said.
“We acknowledge that we need the Lord, and we ask the Lord to bless and protect our children, as well as their teachers and administrators during the upcoming school year both on and off campus and to make our schools safe and peaceful learning environments free from violence,” the proclamation reads.
“We want to make clear that Virgin Islanders will never tolerate excessive and senseless acts of violence upon our students, teachers and other education officials,” de Jongh also stated.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 at 5 p.m., Mothers Against Guns Inc., along with the Jason Carroll Memorial Fund Inc., the V.I. Department of Human Services and the Division of Paternity and Child Support, will host a motivational rally at Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas. Participants are asked to assemble at 4 p.m. at Four Winds Plaza to walk to the Rally. Following the program, fathers will be given free tee shirts and will take a pledge to accompany their children to school on Tuesday, Sept. 4 — the first day of school.
Fathers and father-figures are encouraged to accompany their children to school on Sept. 4 and to offer their support and guidance throughout the school year.
According to the organization Mothers Against Guns Inc., research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.
Gov. de Jongh asks the territory’s fathers to accompany their children on the first day of school and commit to advancing their children’s educations during the 2012-2013 school year.
