Dads Warm Hearts by Taking Over Morning Drop-Off During Winter Chill

When a dad saw the Tibbals staff taking 10-minute shifts at morning drop-off in the frigid temps, he took action.

With freezing temperatures in the forecast on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, Tibbals Watchdog Coordinator Chris Anderson organized a group of dads to relieve the Tibbals staff of morning car duty.

“Mr. Anderson organizing volunteers to help out was a small gesture that made a big difference for our teachers,” Tibbals Principal Tiffany Leech said.

A group of dads stepped up and opened doors as students were dropped off.

“Our teachers and staff already go out of their way to give our students the best opportunity to learn and have an amazing school,” Tibbals dad Rodney Ashmore said. “We don’t want them standing out in freezing temperatures and then having to go straight to work right after.”

The Watchdogs are eager to help out. Thanks to Anderson, they now have a full list of volunteers ready to jump in if it’s needed again, not just for one day, but for multiple days.

“Community engagement is critical to the success of education,” Tibbals dad Isaac Rase said. “I believe helping in school or other community events makes a difference in the community.”

All the dads were eagerly awaiting to see if they could open the door for their own children.

“I remember seeing a dad super excited to open the door for their daughter,” Ashmore said. “It was awesome having all of the parents saying thank you for opening the doors. Tibbals is a special school. The PTA and staff are more involved than any place I have had the pleasure of being at. The leadership at the school is so great, and because of that, it’s a trickle-down effect that all of the parents want to help just as much!”

Rase said that helping out is a small gesture he is more than willing to do.

“It’s also my way of saying thank you for the wonderful job they do every day,” he said. “Most of all, it sets a good example for our kids and they can pass it on to the next generation.”

Seeing these new faces open doors brought countless smiles to the students.

“A lot of the kids’ faces seem to be happy when they see grownups helping, especially my kids,” Rase said. “They love it when I volunteer, it brings them more joy,”

Principal Leech said that having the dads’ door service embodied what the Tibbals school community is all about -- seeing a need and filling it.

"As a principal, it's truly heartwarming to see our school community come together in such a thoughtful way,” she said. “A special thank you to the dads who took over car duty for our teachers in these frigid temperatures—your kindness and support make a world of difference and remind us of the strength of our community."