U.S. Virgin Islands — Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea and the Access and Visitation Program (AVP) within the Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD) of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice welcome students, parents, guardians, educators, faculty, and school staff back for the 2026–2027 school year as public schools across the Territory reopen on Monday, August 10, 2026.
As students return to the classroom, the Department is once again encouraging fathers, father figures, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and other positive male role models to participate in National DADS Take Your Child to School Day by accompanying children on their first day of school. The initiative highlights the important role fathers and father figures play in supporting children’s academic achievement, confidence, and overall well-being.
Although National DADS Take Your Child to School Day is recognized nationwide, the Department of Justice, throughout the year, the PCSD’s Access and Visitation Program remained committed to strengthening family engagement by partnering with community organizations to host fatherhood initiatives and back-to-school outreach activities across the Territory. These efforts provided families with school supplies, educational resources, and opportunities to reinforce the important role fathers and father figures play in a child’s educational journey.
Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea encouraged families to make the first day of school a memorable one.
“The first day of school is more than the start of a new academic year, it is an opportunity to show our children that their education matters. I encourage every parent, and especially our fathers and father figures, to be present on that first day and to remain actively involved throughout the school year. Your support helps build confidence, strengthens family bonds, and contributes to long-term student success.”
Sharon Jackson-McDonald, Administrator of the Access and Visitation Program, emphasized that father involvement extends well beyond the first day of school.
“The Dads Take Your Child to School Initiative is more than a trip to school; it is a celebration of the powerful role fathers and father figures play in a child’s life. This initiative reminds us that a father’s presence can inspire confidence, strengthen academic success, and create lasting memories that shape not only a child’s future but also future generations.”
Kathryn B. Jensen-DeLugo, Director of the Paternity and Child Support Division, encouraged parents and caregivers to establish strong partnerships with their children’s schools.
“The beginning of the school year is an excellent opportunity for parents and caregivers to introduce themselves to teachers, become familiar with the school community, and establish open communication. Working together helps create the best possible environment for every child’s success.”
The Access and Visitation Program is funded through a grant awarded by the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). The program supports healthy parent-child relationships by helping non-custodial parents maintain meaningful involvement in their children’s lives through services that include parenting education, mediation, counseling, supervised visitation, and other family-focused initiatives.
The DOJ Team wishes all students, teachers, administrators, faculty, staff, and families a safe, successful, and rewarding 2026–2027 school year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov