By Mike Davisson, Father’s Club Regional Director & Board Member

Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit handouts are one of those days that the students inquire about throughout the year and look forward to when the days arrive. Teachers and Administrators say that the mood in the school is noticeably different and the students seem to be more attentive; better learners and score better on their tests.

Finals…

We also know that Finals can be daunting, overwhelming, create stress, anxiety and more.

The Olathe East Father’s Club wanted to do our part to reduce those feelings by starting the morning off on a positive note and help create the right environment for test taking by doing our Feast B4 Finals chicken biscuit handout. Not only do the students get greeted with a chicken biscuit, but also with encouraging words and fist bumps.

A Visible Reaction

There is something special about seeing the eyes and posture of a student change to joy when they see large groups of dads; receive fist pumps; hear encouraging words for the day AND receive a little something special to eat.

As a dad, I can tell you it is one of the best days of the year and is something I would encourage every parent to ask their kids about. I challenge all dads to be intentional about finding time to join us for one of these events and experience it for yourself.

Thanks to Chick-fil-A Olathe for their partnership and thanks to all the dads that continue to show up and make these events so successful.

We received a lot of positive feedback on the blog/video we created called “What does a daughter need from her father?” And we wanted to follow up with another video made from submissions from some of our sons. We asked them to create a quick video answering the question: What does a son need from his father? We put together three submissions in this video. Our hope is that these messages will inspire you as you show up for your sons.

Here are some highlights:

Role Model

What does a dad mean to me? Well, I think a dad is simply a role model. And most times they’re a teacher for you in your life, and they’re a strong male figure in your life, someone you look up to and someone you model your life after. And a dad shows you how to be a gentleman, shows you how to treat people with respect. And he shows you how to also respect women and how to love your wife unconditionally no matter what happens. And he shows you how to be successful in life. He shows you the ins and outs of life, and he shows you how to work hard.

Forgiveness

He understands when you make a mistake and uses it as a learning opportunity because they were once in our shoes as well. And I also think a dad is someone who will show you how to be the man that God wants you to be. And a dad is someone that no matter what, they have their back and they love you. And a dad is someone who is present all the time and he’s there for your highest highs and your lowest lows.

Discipline

Sons need their fathers to be someone that they can look up to and someone that sets a good example of what it means to be a man. And they need their fathers to teach them discipline and humility. And most importantly, they need their fathers to disciple them and to establish a relationship with Jesus, to talk about what boys need from their fathers. And for you to always be able to go to your father and just talk to him, no matter what the situation is. You want to know that he’ll always be there for you, just somebody that teaches you about life. And he’s always there by your side no matter what.

Paul Schmidt

By Paul Schmidt

It started with a simple ask, a bonfire like no other. Little did Scott Roberts, Blue Valley Southwest Principal, know, he had the dads of the Blue Valley Southwest Father’s Club at “Fire.”

Let’s back up and set the stage.

In 2019, the Blue Valley Southwest PTO adopted the motto, “Five Schools, One Community.” The goal is to build and strengthen the community across all grade levels. This goal led to creating a community fest and Trunk or Treat at the high school on the eve of BVSW’s homecoming football game.

In years past, on the eve of homecoming, the students would plan the bonfire, but it wasn’t quite as epic and memorable as Roberts wanted, so he sent out a call to the Father’s Club.

A bonfire for the ages.

So, the Principal wants a bonfire for the ages. Who do you call to tackle this task? A Dad. No! You need multiple dads. Ask any dad if they love to burn things. Of course, almost as much as grilling and their kids. The Blue Valley Southwest Father’s Club stepped up to make this annual tradition better.

After a year off, the Father’s Club sent out the call to the dads for anything that would burn and burn fast. We willingly gathered wood, built our burn pile, gathered torches and fuels, and lit up the night sky.

It is a simple ask with a big impact.

We get to play a part in making HOCO memorable for our kids, strengthening our community, and building connections.

By making ourselves available, these simple asks allow the dads to connect with the students and staff, leading to more significant opportunities to leave a lasting impact.

P.S. Don’t tell Principal Roberts next year’s bonfire will be EPIC as in Texas A&M epic!

By Tom Herzog, Board Member

Mental illness becomes a fatal illness when it leads to someone taking their own life.

September was Suicide Prevention Month, an intentional time for us to address the stigma keeping people from getting help and how can we work together to help one another. These past 18 months we’ve become even more aware to the challenges AND opportunities before us to help one another. There are many good things happening to provide training and awareness, but one is essential always.

Conversation is key.

Having honest and open dialogue is the best way to combat any stigma or uncertainty that often still linger around mental health and suicide. To ensure those in our lives know, ‘It’s ok not be ok.’ We must provide the space and an open door to let others know: You Matter – Right Here – Right Now.

Most important, this is true for us as well, that asking for help is just as essential as offering help. This may be a tougher topic for adults as kids continue to show their willingness to navigate conversations that stigma kept older generations from having.

There has also been a false perception that talking openly about depression and suicide might lead to suicidal behavior – as if saying the words might plant a seed in someone’s mind. This is not the case. In fact, directly talking about it is the best response. Direct questions demand direct answers. This one of the thing Mental Health First Aid training teaches.

While Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is over it does not mean the conversations, education and awareness should cease. Mental health should be treated the same way as physical health – when something is wrong, listen to your mind and body, and seek professional help if necessary.

No one is immune to mental health challenges; reach out to others, ask for help when you need it and give a little grace when working through difficult times. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) or reach out to a local mental health professional.

Mental Health and Wellness is one of our lanes here at The Father’s Club, an opportunity for us to collaborate to ensure awareness, training, and ways to help one another.

Looking for training or ways to help?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification teaches individuals how to offer support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. Similar to First Aid and CPR trainings, MHFA focuses on increasing emergency preparedness for individuals and organizations alike. Visit MHFA to find an on-site or virtual class. Father’s Club sponsors training sessions as well, let us know if you’re interested.

Resources:

Johnson County Mental Health Center: https://www.jocogov.org/dept/mental-health/home#Resources

Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

Suicide Prevention: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/