The profound impact of fathers and father figures along with the importance of literacy were celebrated at a special assembly featuring local award-winning author Margaret Bernstein at Brooklyn School on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

The assembly was part of Brooklyn’s annual My Guy Walk event which encourages fathers and other male role models to walk to school with their child to school as a demonstration of their commitment to supporting their child’s education and setting a positive example. The celebration is also part of Walk to School Week activities at Brooklyn School. Upon arrival, students and their father or father-figure were treated to an assortment of muffins, fresh fruit, juices, and other refreshments generously provided by the Brooklyn School PTA, and had the opportunity to take a selfie together while holding a My Guy Walk themed frame.

After morning arrival, students in Preschool through Grade three along with participating fathers and father figures entered the West End of the Fieldhouse for the special assembly led by Margaret Bernstein. A former reporter, editor, and columnist for The Plain Dealer for over twenty-years and currently the Director of Advocacy & Community Initiatives at WKYC Channel 3, Margaret is passionate about strengthening the bond between fathers and children through literacy. She is the author of three children’s books which seek to provide relatable and engaging stories that fathers, and father figures can read with their children. 

During the program, Margaret expressed her appreciation for the fathers and male role models in attendance and provided them with a free copy of her book, The Father’s Walk to take home. Margaret also facilitated a reading of her book All in a Dad’s Day, with two Brooklyn School fathers, one reading the book in English and another in Spanish, for the students to listen along to. 

Afterwards, Margaret led a brief discussion of the story with students in the audience. Principal Johnny Bollin then joined Margaret for a reading of The Father’s Walk book to conclude the program. Throughout the event, students were attentive and engaged with the short stories.

Copies of The Father’s Walk will now be available for students to select to read in the book vending machine located outside the main office which is part of school’s reading program which seeks to build excitement for and discussions about reading. On behalf of the Brooklyn City Schools, thank you to Margaret Bernstein for providing our students and families with an inspiring message and resources to support family literacy.