'Dedicated Dads' volunteer at Walnut Ridge

VERNON — “Dedicated Dad” Gene Arnold had Walnut Ridge Kindergartners in the palm of his hand, as he read aloud to them “Chinese New Year,” Feb. 1, in the library.
Arnold asked, “How many people eat Chinese food here? How many people like the egg rolls? The duck sauce?”
An enthusiastic group raised their hands.
Arnold continued, “They also hide coins in dumplings for good luck. I'm going to shove a quarter in your lunch.”
A collective “Oooooooohhh!” responded.
“If we don't finish this," he said, "it will be the year of some other animal. So let's keep going. I promise I'll ask you a question.” A little one held his hand high.
Arnold mentioned, he used to attend the Vernon school system.
A little girl said she thought her dad used to go to Cedar Mountain, which led to discovering her Uncle Mike was Arnold's best friend growing up. Arnold then showed the kindergartner a picture. She said, “That's my dad, and that's my mother.”
So they took a “selfie” together and sent it to Uncle Mike.
The children busily checked out books, played matching games, worked with computers and the smart table. Arnold played a matching game with a group of boys.
Software Sales Engineer Arnold explained, “This is my last shot. Once they go into Rolling Hills, I'm done. Most of the stuff is for moms.” He was very grateful to Principal Rosemary Gebhardt and Walnut Ridge School, because it gave him a chance to hang out with his daughter, Piper, who will go to Rolling Hills next year.
Gebhardt later explained, the Dedicated Dads program “gets our dads in the building to be a positive influence and promote learning, be part of our school culture, and facilitate a positive school climate.” She added, most of the core teachers are women, and some children really need the influence of other role models — just that presence in the building, “Oh, look, there's a Dedicated Dad!”
On another day, “Dedicated Dad” Jake Hanson was greeted by a first grade class. “Welcome Mr. Hanson!”
Another child said, “Good Morning, Mr. Handsome!”
Hanson helped students compare numbers using place value charts and special blocks.
It was the first time he had volunteered as a “Dedicated Dad.” Hanson manages The Orange Lantern restaurant in Paramus.
In his next class, he helped Kindergartners compare sizes, count, and fill containers with blocks.
Ten core dads come in and out, said Gebhardt, volunteering half a day. She, along with the help of School Counselor Nicole Keane and Media Specialist/Librarian Ben Joseph, partnered with the Vernon Township Education Association and received a PRIDE Grant through the New Jersey Education Association for their Dedicated Dads program.