CMSD Fathers Matter
One Morning Leads to a Lifetime of Impact.
Every scholar deserves a man who shows up.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is proud to participate in the annual Fathers Walk in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative and schools across Northeast Ohio.
At CMSD, we've embraced the spirit of Fathers Walk and expanded it into A Day of Engagement—encouraging schools to creatively involve fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, coaches, mentors, pastors, male educators, and caring community members in the lives of our scholars.
Whether it's a morning walk to school, a breakfast, literacy circle, pep rally, assembly, classroom visit, luncheon, or after-school gathering, the goal remains the same:
Get men engaged in the lives of our scholars.
Join us on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and let one morning become the beginning of a lifetime of encouragement, mentorship, advocacy, and support.
Don't let one morning be your only morning.
CMSD Fathers Walk 2025 Recap
🏫 CMSD Schools
Planning to participate in the 21st Annual Fathers Walk?
Confirm your school's involvement and tell us about your planned activities.
| High Schools | K8-1 Network |
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| K8-2 Network | K8-3 Network |
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Confirmed Schools as of September 4, 2026 - 4:20pm
📢 Need Ideas?
Schools across CMSD have transformed Fathers Walk into a true Day of Engagement, including:
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Be sure to review the Family Engagement Action Plan and the various grade-level & building-level activities in the toolkit for ideas.
This link is available to CMSD users only
2026 Fathers Walk Photo Gallery
🤝 Community Partners & Men’s Organizations
Are you part of a fraternity, church, business, mentoring organization, nonprofit, civic group, alumni association, barbershop, professional network, or men’s organization interested in supporting CMSD scholars?
CMSD Fathers Matter invites community partners and positive male role models to show up for the Annual Fathers Walk and explore meaningful ways to support students, families, and schools.
Groups can choose how they would like to engage:
Option 1: Participate in the Annual Fathers Walk
Join us for the day of the event by supporting a CMSD school during the Annual Fathers Walk.
Community partners and men’s groups can help:
- Welcome scholars during morning arrival
- Encourage students and families
- Read to a classroom
- Serve as guest speakers
- Support a school-based activity
- Create a positive male presence in the building
Option 2: Explore Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Groups interested in longer-term support, mentoring, recurring school visits, or ongoing student engagement are encouraged to complete the district volunteer process.
This may include opportunities to:
- Mentor scholars
- Support school-based programs
- Participate in career talks
- Assist with family engagement events
- Volunteer regularly at a CMSD school
- Build a long-term school partnership
One day of presence can open the door. Ongoing partnership can help change the culture.
CMSD Fathers Matter Community Partners
Thank you to the partners who stand with CMSD Fathers Matter throughout the year in support of scholars, families, schools, and positive male engagement.
2025 Fathers Walk Photo Gallery
CMSD Fathers Matter on TV20
BCDI OHIO Fatherhood Table Talk
CMSD Fathers Matter on Spectrum News
Resources
Keep Showing Up:
Resources for Fathers & Male Role Models
This rotating collection of articles, videos, tools, and community resources is designed to support fathers, father figures, mentors, and positive male role models as they stay connected to scholars, schools, and family life throughout the year.
- 5 Beautiful Moments Fathers and Sons Should Share (All Pro Dad)
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Parenting Skills for Dads (Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative)
FatherHood 101 | Full Movie
Featured Video Resource: Fatherhood 101
Fatherhood 101 is a feature documentary that explores the meaning of fatherhood through personal stories, expert perspectives, and reflections from fathers across different backgrounds. The film highlights the important role fathers play in a child’s development while encouraging honest conversations about presence, responsibility, love, and the lessons men carry from their own fathers into the next generation.
Directed by Cleveland native Marquette Williams, this documentary is a meaningful resource for fathers, father figures, mentors, and male role models who are committed to showing up for children and families.