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Braden River Elementary celebrates dads

More than 200 dads, grandparents and role modles were on hand for Dads Take Your Child to School Day.


  • By Berkley Mason
  • | 9:14 a.m. September 27, 2017
  • East County
  • Schools
  • Share

On a normal school day, Braden River Elementary School second-grader Aija Gonzalez gets dropped off by her dad, Angel Gonzalez. 

The morning of September 27 was a bit more special, though. 

Aija Gonzalez got to spend more time than usual with her dad, as the two sat side-by-side eating egg and cheese croissants in her school cafeteria. 

"I like spending time with my dad before I go to school," Aija said. 

About 200 more dads, brothers, grandpas and other male role models got to enjoy a free breakfast with their loved ones before school Sept. 27 during the annual Dads Take Your Child to School Day celebration. 

As part of the event, Braden River Elementary staff set up a special "VIP" section in the front of the school's cafeteria, which the men there said made them feel extra special, too.

Among the participants was West Stephan, who doesn't normally get to take his first grade son, Alexander Stephan, to school. 

"Usually he comes to school with his mom because I have to wake up at six o'clock in the morning for work," West Stephan said. "He was really excited to have me take him this morning." 

Scott Toedman and Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Olivia Matthews sit down to enjoy breakfast.
Scott Toedman and Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Olivia Matthews sit down to enjoy breakfast.
'Rockin' with Knowledge' was the theme this year at Braden River Elementary School's Dads Take Your child to school day.
'Rockin' with Knowledge' was the theme this year at Braden River Elementary School's Dads Take Your child to school day.
To go along with their Rock N' Roll theme, Braden River Elementary School set up a 'VIP lounge' for the dads.
To go along with their Rock N' Roll theme, Braden River Elementary School set up a 'VIP lounge' for the dads.
Braden River Elementary School fifth-grader Abby Burns, Jeff Burns and second-grader Emma Burns eat breakfast with dad.
Braden River Elementary School fifth-grader Abby Burns, Jeff Burns and second-grader Emma Burns eat breakfast with dad.
Christopher and Ava Brooks get breakfast together in the cafeteria at Braden River Elementary School.
Christopher and Ava Brooks get breakfast together in the cafeteria at Braden River Elementary School.
Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Simona Mazzucco waits in line with her dad, Mariol Mazzucco, for breakfast.
Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Simona Mazzucco waits in line with her dad, Mariol Mazzucco, for breakfast.
Doug Walkowlak and Braden River Elementary School first-grader Dakota Walkowlak make their way to the VIP section for breakfast.
Doug Walkowlak and Braden River Elementary School first-grader Dakota Walkowlak make their way to the VIP section for breakfast.
Tony Monterosso hangs out with his grandson Brady Denault, a first-grader at Braden River Elementary, for breakfast before school.
Tony Monterosso hangs out with his grandson Brady Denault, a first-grader at Braden River Elementary, for breakfast before school.
Braden River Elementary School second-grader Aija Gonzalez and her dad, Angel Gonzalez, enjoy egg and cheese croissants.
Braden River Elementary School second-grader Aija Gonzalez and her dad, Angel Gonzalez, enjoy egg and cheese croissants.
Stan Schaeffer and Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Mitchell Schaeffer wait in line for breakfast.
Stan Schaeffer and Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Mitchell Schaeffer wait in line for breakfast.
Braden River Elementary School students Gracie Miller, Cameron Miller and McCoy Miller eat breakfast as a family before school begins.
Braden River Elementary School students Gracie Miller, Cameron Miller and McCoy Miller eat breakfast as a family before school begins.
Louis Hinds and Braden River Elementary School third-grader Lilly Hinds spend some father-daughter time together before school.
Louis Hinds and Braden River Elementary School third-grader Lilly Hinds spend some father-daughter time together before school.
Axel Nunez and Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Giuliana Nunez eat some cereal together in the VIP lounge.
Axel Nunez and Braden River Elementary School kindergartener Giuliana Nunez eat some cereal together in the VIP lounge.

 

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