St. Louis schools seek dads' participation

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis public schools are asking all fathers to accompany their kids to the first day of classes when school resumes Monday.

It's part of an international effort known as the Million Father March to engage fathers and other male caregivers in their children's education. The district is also encouraging other strong male figures in a child's life, like grandfathers or step fathers, to participate.

The Chicago-based effort is led by a group called The Black Star Project, which says it has been working since 1996 to close racial academic gaps. It says children whose fathers take an active role are more likely to do well academically.