By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The first day of class for Philadelphia public school students is this Friday, and fathers today were being asked to escort their children to school for the first couple of days.

It’s part of a national effort to have fathers be proactive in their children’s education.

Eight hundred cities are participating in the 2012 national “Million Fathers March.”  Local efforts are being organized by the House of Umoja in West Philadelphia.

Community activist Jeffrey Hart was urging fathers to make preparations now to take their child to school, no matter what section of the city they live in, on Friday and on Monday.

“We are saying to a father, ‘Tell your boss, “Today I need to take my child to school and I’ll be a little late.” ‘  And we are asking employers to understand the importance of fathers walking their children to school on this first day and then continuing their participation in their child’s education throughout the year.”

There will also be marches originating at the House of Umoja, 5625 Master Street, starting at 7 am on September 7th and 10th.