Happy Father's Day to all who celebrate!
Organized by Jeanette Mullen-Franklin, the Dean of Culture at BUCS, the event centered around the powerful theme, "Built Different." The evening stood as a profound demonstration of the NHA virtues of respect, gratitude, and encouragement, reminding the entire community that fathers and male role models are foundational to student success. As the event flyer boldly stated, "Because fathers aren't just present... they're powerful."
The Inspiration Behind "Built Different"
The theme served as an intentional mission statement for the school community, highlighting the irreplaceable impact a father has on a child's developmental and moral journey.
“The 'Built Different' theme for this year's father's event was intended to bring forth the idea that fathers are an important and integral part of a student's life,” notes Mullen-Franklin. "When fathers are actively involved, they significantly improve a student's lives."
As the Dean of Culture, Mullen-Franklin explains that events like this align seamlessly with the broader community environment BUCS is working to build, creating a structured space where families feel deeply connected to the school's mission.
"It provided an opportunity to celebrate our parental partners out loud for the support and effort they provide. When we host these gatherings, it is also a way to invite the community into the building and create partnerships that otherwise would not happen."
Presenters like Pastor James Giles and Dr. Curtis Haynes facilitated the workshops, lending their expertise to help the attending fathers navigate modern challenges with wisdom and capability.
High-Value Workshops and Community Leadership
The main event transformed the school into a vibrant hub of resources, kicking off with a specialized ‘Vending Expo’ and high-impact educational workshops. Rather than guessing what resources would best serve the neighborhood, the BUCS team surveyed local fathers ahead of time to let them guide the curriculum.
The overwhelming response from the men pointed toward practical, real-world tools for life and leadership, resulting in the curation of workshops covering stress resiliency, financial literacy, and home ownership.
To deliver these sessions, BUCS connected with local leaders who share the school's dedication to community betterment. Presenters like Pastor James Giles and Dr. Curtis Haynes facilitated the workshops, lending their expertise to help the attending fathers navigate modern challenges with wisdom and capability.
The spirit of mutual encouragement and respect carried directly into the panel discussion where many topics were brought up that impact men today.
Standout Moments: Gratitude and Encouragement in Action
The emotional apex of the evening took place during the Fatherhood Awards & Recognition segment, put together by students from the BUCS leadership program. In a moving display of gratitude, the students took the microphone and read aloud heartfelt, handwritten letters describing exactly why their father figures are important to them. Following the readings, each student presented their father or father figure with a customized plaque.
This spirit of mutual encouragement and respect carried directly into the panel discussion. During the dialogue, one panelist captured the room's energy perfectly, noting that the men in attendance might not even realize the massive wave of security and confidence they give their children simply by choosing to participate. The panelist emphasized that while a mother's support is beautifully vital, when a father shows up, it resonates with a student on another level far beyond what they could imagine.
The profound words left a visible impact on every man in the room.
"Reflecting back on the moment, you could tell all the fathers and father figures were so proud, and you could feel the love and admiration in the room," Mullen-Franklin recalled.
The "Built Different" event brought together fathers/father figures and their students for a night of learning and encouraging.
Looking Ahead: Advice for the NHA Network
The response from the community since the closing remarks has been incredibly positive. Fathers, male role models, and students alike walked away inspired, expressing that the event was excellent and should happen again.
The "Built Different" event may have successfully wrapped up, but the team at Buffalo United has no intention of slowing down. The school leadership team intends to keep the incredible momentum going by consistently creating intentional opportunities for families to participate and be recognized throughout the school year, fostering authentic partnerships and showcasing BUCS pride.
What a wonderful and impactful community that is being cultivated at Buffalo United. Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate this weekend!
About Buffalo United Charter School
Buffalo United Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Buffalo, New York, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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