LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — As students head back to school next week, so too do many dads in the community with the goal of keeping kids safe.
Dads in Schools launched 3 years ago in CCSD as a way for any parents or community members to get involved and be on campus during school hours.
Heading into the 2025-2026 school year, there are not enough volunteers to be in every school that’s requested the help so right now the group is actively recruiting.
“I find that just my presence makes a difference, that typically when I’m on campus, kids are happy to see me which is exactly what we want,” revealed L. Eric Culverson who signed up to be part of Dads in Schools at its inception.
“My eldest stepdaughter was in middle school at that time and was actually experiencing some bullying issues of her own, and I thought, ‘You know, I would really like to be present, if at all possible,’ and that is what the Dads in Schools program affords any concerned adult,” Culverson recounted.
His concern has grown to all students.
“When I walk on campus… immediate recognition. Kids are high fiving me, and occasionally, you know, I will talk to the kid a little bit more in depth about some issues that they may be going through and I’m always happy to play that role,” Culverson shared.
The group’s motto: prevention through presence.
“Most schools will request that we’re there during the lunch period. Perhaps the beginning, the end of school, and simply having more adults around during that period greatly reduces even the likelihood of violence… that’s been shown at every site where we participate,” Culverson reported.
Culverson is now spending his time trying to recruit other dads, moms, or any caring adult spending time at events like a back-to-school fair at the SkyView YMC in North Las Vegas.
“As of today, we have about 130 campuses that have requested the Dads in Schools presence, but we only have a little more than 100 volunteers… We definitely don’t have enough to meet the current demand,” Culverson told FOX5.
Though it is called Dads in Schools, it’s made up of dads, moms, and grandparents. Any concerned citizen can choose to make a difference in their community. Volunteers can choose their days, hours, and what school they want to be at. Volunteers must pass a rigorous background check.
Learn more about Dads in Schools here: https://www.dadsinschools.com/
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