Milton Elementary/Middle School kicked off the holiday season with an extra dose of joy during its first-ever "Dads on Duty" event! Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other male role models lined up to greet students with high-fives, warm smiles, and an abundance of encouragement.

Adding a touch of holiday magic, some dads showed up decked out in festive Christmas attire! From bright Santa hats to colorful holiday sweaters, these cheerful outfits brought an extra layer of fun and excitement to an already unforgettable morning.

The "Dads on Duty" event originated from a recent Love Our Schools CAFÉ meeting. Through its Community and Family Engagement (CAFÉ) model, Love Our Schools connects schools with families, businesses, government leaders, churches, nonprofits, and other community members to build a network of support around students. During one such meeting, the idea of greeting students with a positive and welcoming start to their day came to life—and the results were truly inspiring.

Principal Amanda Guillory shared, “The Dads on Duty event was an extraordinary experience for our Milton community. Seeing students greeted by inspiring role models brought joy, confidence, and energy to their day. Thank you to all who participated—you made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Your presence and encouragement set a powerful example, and we look forward to more events like this in the future!”

The "Dads on Duty" initiative highlights how Lafayette Parish schools are working hand-in-hand with the community to make every student feel supported, valued, and inspired. Thank you to all the dads and role models who brought their holiday spirit and positive energy to campus.

Milton Elementary/Middle is proud to embrace the spirit of #LPSSCulture and #LPSSOpportunities. This event is a perfect example of how we’re living out the Lafayette Parish School System’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for students.

About Love Our Schools CAFÉ
Love Our Schools’ Community and Family Engagement (CAFÉ) model aims to unite schools with the broader community—including families, businesses, government officials, churches, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. By working together, the CAFÉ initiative strengthens support networks around schools across Lafayette Parish, creating a collaborative environment where students and educators can thrive.