DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / May 17, 2000

PAULINA – About 30 dads are participating in Paulina Elementary School’s seventh annual Dad’s Can Do It program. In a switch from normal father-childprograms, from May 10-20 fathers are spending time where their kids work.

From gardening to hanging light fixtures to serving up cafeteria meals, fathers are stepping up to help out in the elementary school.

“It’s a good bonding experience for the children,” said St. James SchoolBoard member Carol Lambert.

More and more dads are showing up for the program every year. Some ofthem even coming often, one day not enough to satisfy their pruning, sweeping, laminating and over all general maintenance man needs.

A letter is sent to the fathers asking if they would like to participate. If theyare able then another letter is sent by the kids saying, “I’d love to see you here,” and a schedule for when they can come, said Lisa Duhe’ coordinator for the project.

They’re more than welcome to participate in the school any day of the year, but the dads seem to look forward to the two weeks of the Dad’s Can Do It project. “They’re always asking when the next one is, or how soon it’s comingup,” added Duhe’.

Lambert provides gifts for the fathers, like tools chest, flashlights, levels, gas cans and other around the house equipment to show the schools appreciation.

“The kids are very proud of their dad, or any dad, when they come. It givesthem a sense of pride,” Lambert said.

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