What started as a few fathers helping out at school has grown into a visible, energetic presence at Flossmoor Hills Elementary.

Known as “Dad Force One,” the group officially launched in January 2025 with a simple goal: Increase the presence of positive male role models in the school community.

“We just started looking around saying, ‘Hey, we need some more guys over here. Where are the dads at?’” said Robert Kyler, one of the founding members.

Kyler and other fathers initially stepped in to support the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. As they became more involved, they saw an opportunity to do more — especially during unstructured times like recess and open gym, when some students struggled with arguments and emotional regulation.

That’s when Dad Force One began helping monitor outdoor sports and hosting monthly open gyms.

One of the group’s most visible efforts happens every Wednesday morning. Dads line the entrance with signs and a bullhorn, greeting students as they arrive.

Principal Evita McNeil-Dobson said the weekly welcome has made a difference. 

“They come every Wednesday, they help us greet the students and (get) them off to a really good start for the day,” McNeil-Dobson said. “The kids always get excited when they see them.”

The group also supports students during high-pressure moments, such as the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, passing out motivational bracelets and offering words of encouragement.

Tyler Wheeler, a fifth-grade teacher and faculty liaison for the group, said Dad Force One was created in response to concerns about students’ social-emotional regulation during recess and other unstructured times.

“We’ve seen some development and some growth with our kids as far as emotional regulation,” Wheeler said. “Learning how to control themselves outside during recess, during gym, unstructured times.”

According to McNeil-Dobson, the impact extends beyond when the dads are physically present. 

“I have seen the shift in our students,” she said. “In the classroom, our students do a fantastic job following school expectations. And when the dads are around, they rise to the expectations even more.”

Dad Force One hosts at least one open gym session each month, rotating grade levels to keep group sizes manageable. The sessions focus on sportsmanship, teamwork and learning the rules of games like basketball, soccer and flag football.

This year, the group expanded to include girls in its activities.

Beyond athletics, the dads assist with the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) events such as the book fair and holiday celebrations, and they’ve partnered with community groups like the Flossmoor Gentleman’s Caucus for additional programming.

On March 13, Dad Force One will host a “March Madness” free-throw fundraiser at the school. Students can raise up to $20 and earn one free throw per dollar raised. Prizes include Chicago Bulls tickets, a custom basketball and a custom jersey.

Troy Holmes, the group’s fundraising chair, said the goal isn’t to build up a large reserve, but simply to sustain activities for students.

“We’re not trying to fundraise to build a building or anything like that,” Holmes said. “We fundraise for snacks, for the prizes, the giveaways. We just don’t want to take money from the PTO.”

Community members also can sponsor a student by contacting the school. The group sells branded T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, hats and skull caps to help cover costs for snacks, jerseys and activities.

Members say they often contribute their own funds to keep events running.

In addition to sports-based programming, Dad Force One is expanding into life-skills education. This spring, the group plans to host an etiquette class and a financial literacy session in partnership with the Flossmoor Gentleman’s Caucus.

They also are launching a “Shoes for Success” initiative, where five students per grade will be entered into a raffle to receive a new pair of gym shoes from Flossmoor-based retailer Limited Laces.

Long term, organizers hope to formalize Dad Force One as a charitable organization and potentially create chapters at other schools in the Homewood-Flossmoor area. For now, though, their focus remains on the students at Flossmoor Hills.

“They’re dads, they’re granddads, they’re uncles, they’re neighbors,” McNeil-Dobson said. “They just want to make an impact in our school and have a positive relationship with our students.” 

And every Wednesday morning, that impact begins with a high-five.