PITTSBORO — PITTSBORO — One minute a day, one hour a month, one day a year. That’s part of the equation of being an All Pro Dad.

All Pro Dad (APD) is a program that was launched in 1997 by former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy. It is designed to give men the resources and encouragement they need to become better fathers. It’s a football-themed program that features more than 50 NFL players, coaches, and alumni that speak on the importance of being a good father. The model of the program asks men to give one minute a day for a daily fatherhood e-mail, one hour a month for an in-school father/child breakfast, and one day a year to take part in an APD Father and Kid Experience.

There are currently 1,066 chapters in 46 states, including a new chapter in Pittsboro.

Pittsboro elementary and primary schools recently started their own chapter of the program, headed up by Principals Erica Roehling and Jeremy Brooks and parent Mark Michael. The first one-hour monthly breakfast for the group is from 7 to 7:45 a.m. Jan. 21 in the library at the elementary school.

“We’re always looking for ways to get the parents involved,” Brooks said.

Michael and the two principals believe that these breakfasts will not only foster a better relationship between father and child, but may also positively impact a student’s classroom performance.

Roehling explained, “It shows the kids that home and school are connected.”

She said APD will be especially important in her building that is dominated by females. She has one male employee who is in the building on a limited basis throughout the week.

“It will be good for them to have that positive male role model,” she added.

Michael, who has two students at the elementary school, and parent Matt Stuart have worked side by side to bring the program to the school.

“It’s a way for the dads to get involved and for kids to see that leadership in them,” Michael said.

The group is excited about this month’s breakfast, sponsored by Chik-Fil-A and Starbucks, and hopes for a good turnout. Informational and reservation forms were sent out with students earlier in the week so that the group could have an idea of how many participants to expect.

“It’s prior to school, so there’s plenty of time for breakfast and for dads to walk their kids to class,” Michael added.

APD forms will be sent home with students prior to each monthly breakfast. Parents or companies who are interested in sponsoring a breakfast may contact the schools by calling 994-2000 for Pittsboro Elementary School or  994-2100 for Pittsboro Primary School.

For more information about All Pro Dads or starting a chapter, visit the website at www.allprodad.com. There is also information on the website for iMOM, a similar program for mothers.

Information specific to the Pittsboro chapter can be found online at www.allprodad.com/dd/2403.

Pittsboro schools form All Pro Dads chapter

By Courtney Essett

courtney.essett@flyergroup.com

PITTSBORO — One minute a day, one hour a month, one day a year. That’s part of the equation of being an All Pro Dad.

All Pro Dad (APD) is a program that was launched in 1997 by former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy. It is designed to give men the resources and encouragement they need to become better fathers. It’s a football-themed program that features more than 50 NFL players, coaches, and alumni that speak on the importance of being a good father. The model of the program asks men to give one minute a day for a daily fatherhood e-mail, one hour a month for an in-school father/child breakfast, and one day a year to take part in an APD Father and Kid Experience.

There are currently 1,066 chapters in 46 states, including a new chapter in Pittsboro.

Pittsboro elementary and primary schools recently started their own chapter of the program, headed up by Principals Erica Roehling and Jeremy Brooks and parent Mark Michael. The first one-hour monthly breakfast for the group is from 7 to 7:45 a.m. Jan. 21 in the library at the elementary school.

“We’re always looking for ways to get the parents involved,” Brooks said.

Michael and the two principals believe that these breakfasts will not only foster a better relationship between father and child, but may also positively impact a student’s classroom performance.

Roehling explained, “It shows the kids that home and school are connected.”

She said APD will be especially important in her building that is dominated by females. She has one male employee who is in the building on a limited basis throughout the week.

“It will be good for them to have that positive male role model,” she added.

Michael, who has two students at the elementary school, and parent Matt Stuart have worked side by side to bring the program to the school.

“It’s a way for the dads to get involved and for kids to see that leadership in them,” Michael said.

The group is excited about this month’s breakfast, sponsored by Chik-Fil-A and Starbucks, and hopes for a good turnout. Informational and reservation forms were sent out with students earlier in the week so that the group could have an idea of how many participants to expect.

“It’s prior to school, so there’s plenty of time for breakfast and for dads to walk their kids to class,” Michael added.

APD forms will be sent home with students prior to each monthly breakfast. Parents or companies who are interested in sponsoring a breakfast may contact the schools by calling 994-2000 for Pittsboro Elementary School or  994-2100 for Pittsboro Primary School.

For more information about All Pro Dads or starting a chapter, visit the website at www.allprodad.com. There is also information on the website for iMOM, a similar program for mothers.

Information specific to the Pittsboro chapter can be found online at www.allprodad.com/dd/2403.

courtney.essett@flyergroup.com