Men responded to a call for duty at Deer Chase Elementary School to cheer on students arriving on April 14.
It marked the revival of “Dads on Duty,” a tradition that has been on hold in the Richmond County School System since 2019 because of COVID-19.
MORE: Providing lead testing for children in Richmond County
The men were there to encourage the students as they headed to their classrooms to face the Georgia Milestones tests. The Georgia Milestones Assessment System informs parents, educators and the public how well students are learning in four key subjects: English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
Brian Ingram lined up along the sidewalk with other exuberant men greet all students arriving in the pre-dawn as the school day was just beginning. He said he wanted to attend for his grandson, James Jordan Jr., a kindergartner at Deer Chase.
“I’m representing him because his father is at work,” he said. “It matters a lot because we got to represent them and show them that we appreciate them and knowing that they are doing something for the future.”
Dwayne Smith was among the first to arrive Thursday morning, along with daughter Madison, a third grader at the school.
“To show support and then that’ll be for everything she ever does in life. So, this is extremely important because I want to be a part of what’s important to her,” he said, adding he hopes other fathers do the same. “Supporting your child to let them know that no matter what, we’re going to be here regardless.”
MORE: Pendleton King Park numbers do not add up
Students in different grade levels are tested on grade-specific subjects to measure how well they have learned the knowledge and skills for the subject. Grades 3-8 are tested on mathematics and English language arts. Grades five and eight are tested on science and eighth graders are also tested in social studies.
MORE: First rodeo in Grovetown starts Friday and will help vets, disabled children
Students can also benefit from the testing. It can give them information about their own achievement. It can show them if they are ready to move to the next level in their education, be it the next grade level or onto college or a career.
For Madison, this was the perfect way to begin a school day.
“Because I want him to be here with me every step of the way,” she said.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
