April 25, 2024

ATLANTIC CITY — Parents throughout the Atlantic City Public Schools District brought their children to work on Thursday, April 25, 2024, to participate in the annual National Take Your Child to Work Day.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. La'Quetta Small, celebrated National Take Your Child to Work Day with staff and their children at the administration building.

The event, which started in 1993 as Take Our Daughters to Work Day, aims to expose children to various career options and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Tynika Clark, a custodian at Brighton Avenue School, brought her daughter Keymora Taylor to work. “She used to come here,” said Clark. “So, she has a feel for what I do. It’s good for them to understand what parents get up and do, every day, for them.”

Brighton Avenue School allowed parents and children to bond through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) structured play. Health and Physical Education Teacher Itean Dozier brought his daughter Logan and son Lennox to work. Logan, who now also wants to be a teacher, won a round of musical chairs.

“I like doing gym classes with my dad and the other students,” Logan Dozier said. “I want to teach math and reading.”

Itean Dozier was extremely proud and said it helps his children understand why it is important for him to come to work every day.

“The kids love and respect me,” Dozier said. “When I miss a day of school it lets them down.”

Students who visited Uptown Complex focused on positive affirmations. Some stayed in classrooms to experience their parents’ work. Others visited the data room, which had been transformed into a “Zen Zone” complete with soothing music for positive vibrations, to paint rocks with positive messages.

“They can take it home or leave it on their parent’s desk as a memento from Uptown,” said Social Emotional Learning Coach Nicole Casamento.

Students at the Atlantic City Public Schools' administration building also went to work with their parents. The day brought joy to many.

The Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit agency, is responsible for the National Take Your Child to Work Day in its current form. The organization was established to build diversity in the workplace, raise public awareness of children’s issues and provide adults with proactive strategies to help girls and boys remain resilient, especially in the world of work. Through the organization's leadership, expertise and collaborations, the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation advocates for changes in social policy and public awareness on behalf of youth.

Since 1993, on the fourth Thursday in April, more than 40 million young people and adults in more than 4 million workplaces around the world have participated in the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work program. The Atlantic City Public Schools was again one of the workplaces that celebrated Take Your Child to Work Day.

“We welcomed the children of our dedicated staff members who work in the administration building for Take Your Child to Work Day,” said Tameisha Purnell, who organized activities.

The day began with a continental breakfast, where the children got to enjoy morning treats alongside their parents. Throughout the day, there was an array of engaging activities, such as marshmallow crafts and karaoke, planned for the children.

“There was never a dull moment from exciting games to creative painting sessions,” said Preschool Social Worker Annelisea Johnson, who also helped organize the activities. “As they painted beautiful flowers, soothing music played in the background, creating a serene atmosphere for their artistic endeavors.”

Purnell said that in the past, one of the highlights of the day was the insightful tour led by Peggie Davis, who provided the children with an inside look at the various job duties within the building.

“It was an excellent opportunity for them to learn about different roles and responsibilities in a real-world setting,” Purnell said.

“It’s my favorite day of the year,” said Davis, who works in Computerized Business Services. “I don’t get to be in school with the kids.”

Davis also had a chance to spend time with the children of parents who work in the technology department. They played games, sent out a few emails and had a good time. Hardware technicians Rayfield Leatherwood and Nikki Giordano both brought their children to work.

“It gets him to see what I do,” Leatherwood said of his son Colton Leatherwood.

Giordano said Take Your Child to Work Day exposes her children to the way things are done locally.

“It’s fun for them to see where I go and what I do every day,” Giordano said.

To commemorate their participation, each child was presented with a certificate during lunchtime, recognizing their involvement on this special day. Take Your Child to Work Day was truly a memorable experience for both the district staff and their children.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to making it a success,” Purnell said.

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Atlantic City Public Schools Take Your Child to Work Day by Mark Tyler