Indian Trail Middle School: Fist Bumps and The Power of Showing Up

By Brandon Dunklau, Chapter Chair at Indian Trail Middle School for Father’s Club

I’ve been involved in Father’s Club for less than a year. I have a 6th grader at Indian Trail Middle School and met Mike Davisson during 6th grade orientation. He was energetic and handing out cards about Father’s Club. ITMS Father’s Club is on its first year. Can I say it’s been wildly attended from the dads? No. But what I can say is that those that do show up make a difference. It matters! Whether it’s 2 days a year or 4 to 6 times a year, the act of showing up matters.

We were coming back from spring break when my 6th grader alerted the family that something terrible had happened, involving one of the ITMS teachers. My mind immediately went to – what can Father’s Club do? We needed to show up! And not only show up but see what we can do to pull dads from other schools together.

We held an additional Fist Bumps event, not on our typical Friday morning but on the Tuesday welcoming back students and faculty.

What meant a lot to me was seeing dads come from the various surrounding middle school and high schools. They came to support the kids and teachers as well as each other. Community – Yes! Showing up together during a more difficult time means so much.

I’m proud to be part of Father’s Club. I’m proud to be part of a movement – providing the small positive bumps/nudges we provide to the kids, to the faculty and yes – each other. I’m proud to be part of the more than 50 schools in the Kansas City Metro with Father’s Clubs that are showing up!

Next Steps

• To get involved with a Father’s Club chapter at your school, visit the Chapters page on our website.
• If there isn’t a chapter currently at your school and you would like to know more about starting a Father’s Club chapter, visit the Contact page and fill out the form with your details and we will be in touch!