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20th Annual Fathers Walk (2025)
What is the Fathers Walk?
The 20th Annual Fathers Walk in Cuyahoga County and CMSD is more than just a symbolic walk to school; it is a transformative experience across all schools and grade levels. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and other male role models will walk hand-in-hand with students while also participating in activities that strengthen school connections.
Schools have embraced this initiative in creative ways: father-child reading circles, school-wide morning meetings, fatherhood brunches, mental health podcasts, and college-planning boot camps. This year, we invite every school community to add its own special touch.
Think of it as Father’s Day during the school year.
Schools often host celebrations for mothers, grandparents, and other family members throughout the year. But what about the dads? Father’s Day falls in June when school is out. The Fathers Walk provides an intentional moment during the school year to honor fathers and father-figures, celebrating their impact and influence on the lives of scholars.
Why it matters:
The Fathers Walk is not just symbolic, it is directly connected to CMSD’s mission and goals.
- Student Outcomes: When fathers and male role models are visibly present, students attend school more regularly, demonstrate higher engagement, and are more likely to see themselves as capable learners. Walking to school together and staying connected shows scholars that education matters and that they are supported in reaching their full potential.
- Family Engagement: The Fathers Walk is a visible expression of the district’s commitment to building authentic partnerships between families and schools. It provides an entry point for fathers and male caregivers to move from being guests in the school to becoming active contributors in the school community.
- Collaboration: The event strengthens ties between families, schools, and community partners. It shows that when educators, families, and community leaders work together, students benefit from a broader network of support.
- Equity: The Fathers Walk intentionally lifts fathers and male figures who are often under-recognized in school-based family engagement. By creating space for their voices and presence, the district helps ensure that all scholars experience diverse, meaningful connections with caring adults.
To learn more about CMSD’s Strategic Priorities and Core Values, visit:
Last year’s countywide impact:
- 208 schools across Cuyahoga County participated
- Over 25,000 fathers and father figures walked with their children
- CMSD showed strong growth, with more than 85% of our schools engaged — including several high schools.
This year, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Fathers Walk, we aim even higher.
Pledge to Participate:
Men are invited to take the Fathers Walk Pledge, promising to support children’s education, engage with teachers, and partner with families for the best academic and social outcomes.
How to Join:
- Mark your calendars: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Connect with your child’s school for details on their local Fathers Walk activities.
This event is proudly supported by the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, led by Director Aldonis Grimes, who champions the essential role fathers play in student success and community engagement. Other event sponsors include Passages Inc. and the Healthy Fatherhood Collective. For county-wide information, contact the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative at 216-348-3967 or visit hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/fatherhood
Resources:
- Welcome Letter - Al Grimes
- Welcome Letter - Anthony Brown
- 2025 Annual Fathers Walk Flyer
- School Participation Registration
- Sign Up as a Speaker, Exhibitor, or Man Willing to Stand in the Gap!
- CMSD Fathers Walk 2025 Toolkit (CMSD Email Access Only)
Compliance Note:
All speakers, exhibitors/resource providers, and volunteers participating in CMSD Fathers Walk or related Fathers Matter events are subject to CMSD’s volunteer registration and clearance guidelines. Participants may be required to complete the district’s volunteer approval process, which includes confirmation by the school, entry into the Raptor Visitor Security System, and adherence to CMSD protocols. Please note this is not a sales event — resource tables should highlight programs, services, and supports available to scholars and families. For more details, visit clevelandmetroschools.org/volunteer or contact the CMSD Volunteer Office at 216.838.0337.
