{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 7 - Strong Schools, Strong Communities: Getting Involved with Local Elementary Schools","description":"In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch sit down with Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap and Good Dads Board Member Dr. Mike Dawson\u2014an experienced educator and retired Branson Schools administrator\u2014to explore how simple interactions between dads and their kids can build stronger families and schools. Drawing on their decades in education and personal experiences as fathers, Jim and Mike explain how the Strong Schools initiative helps fathers\u2014and father figures\u2014connect meaningfully with their children while transforming school culture. The conversation shows how simple, low-cost activities like making paper airplanes or sharing donuts can create ripple effects in the community. The guests share heartfelt stories and strong reminders that showing up, being present, and engaging in even small activities can leave a lasting impact. Whether it\u2019s dads building trust, showing vulnerability, or just sharing a laugh with their kids, this episode powerfully demonstrates the everyday strength of intentional fatherhood. Episode Highlights [05:25] \u201cIt\u2019s superhero day. I mean like, hey, Dad\u2019s here \u2026 It\u2019s just such a powerful impact.\u201d [06:15] \u201cYou have another ripple effect then with the moms \u2026 they\u2019re boasting and bragging that their dad\u2019s involved.\u201d [10:18] \u201cI just need permission, a place and the time guidelines. It\u2019s purposely made to maximize positive interactions.\u201d [13:54] \u201cYou just open that can\u2014curriculum is very low tech. Just be present and so much fruit will come out of it.\u201d [16:13] \u201cChildren who are growing up in a home without a dad don\u2019t even have a male role model at school.\u201d [18:37] \u201cHere\u2019s an easy way for a grandpa to have another structured opportunity to connect.\u201d [27:07] \u201cYou could be the best advocate for adding that to your school\u2014more so than we can.\u201d Resources\ud83d\udce9 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! \ud83c\udf10 Learn more about Good Dads Great Communities! \ud83d\udce7 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com. ","author_name":"Good Dads Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.gooddads.com\/","html":"