Male Role Models ‘Make a Difference’ at PKMS

On very few occasions will you see a grown man put on a pair of googly-eye glasses and carry an inflatable guitar, but last week, at Peekskill Middle School’s first annual Great Expectations: Men Making a Difference night, this was not an uncommon scene as adult attendees and students posed for silly photos in the school’s “photo-booths.”

The event, which featured a variety of workshops, activities and games, invited all male figures to join their child or student for a night of collaborations and connections, followed by dinner and dessert in the school’s cafeteria.

“We hope the men here tonight will get time to bond with the child they came here with, and maybe they will even get the chance to say something to each other that they haven’t had the chance to say at home,” said Rodney Headley, a teacher at the middle school and a leader in the night’s initiatives. “We’re putting conversation starters in front of them to get their ideas rolling, and break the ice, if there is any ice between them.”

For over a year the administration and staff at the middle school had dreamed of making the night a reality. Finally this year, thanks to donations from the L.E.A.P program and fundraising events, the school was able to host the event.

The first half of the evening involved attendees rotating through stations in fifteen minute intervals.  During this time, adults and children had the opportunity to talk about the characteristics that make up a good role model, play newlywed-style games to learn facts about each other, and work together to solve riddles. There was even a chance to get crafty while decorating a frame to hold a keepsake photo from the evening.

After the workshops were completed, guests filled the cafeteria for dinner and dessert, and prizes were awarded to those who had scored highest in the evening’s games. Even those who didn’t rack up points didn’t leave the event empty handed, as all those who attended were sent home with “Fitting In, Standing Out,” an educational board game designed to promote diversity awareness to pre-teens.

“The reason we created this night is because male role models are so important in our children’s lives, both sons and daughters,” Headley said. “Think of the life lessons we learned from our fathers, or didn’t learn from our fathers. This is a nice chance to make a huge, positive impact, but it’s just the first step. There are lots of other things that I know the men of Peekskill are capable of to help empower our youth and build our city up even better than it already is.”

Those who came out for the evening were equally excited to have the opportunity to participate in the event. Adults and children agreed that the night encouraged a deeper level of communication, and said they were glad that they came.

“We had a great time,” said Andre Vermandois, who attended the event with his 7th grade son, Jacques. “You get to spend time with your kid in school, how awesome is that?”

Jordan Hill, a 7th grade student at the middle school also enjoyed the evening.

“It was fun and I had a good time with my dad,” Hill said. “I got to know things I didn’t know about him. I liked the all the different classes and that my dad is here and making an impression on my life.”

The laughter and conversations continued as the night came to a close and parents, guardians, teachers, and students made their way out the doors, many with a photograph in one hand, and at least one board game in the other. Each attendee’s genuine smile was a testament to the night’s success.

“The whole night was so much fun,” said Peekskill Middle School Principal, Dr. David Fine. “It was a great time and it was awesome seeing the adult males in our student’s lives smiling, having fun while connecting and everyone just enjoying the evening together.”

To view more photos from this event, please visit our Facebook or Flickr photo albums.