"Optimism is a choice we make every single day," Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski told a room full of parents and students at Wea Ridge Elementary School's All Pro Dad breakfast. It was a message that resonated beyond the cafeteria walls, reminding families that attitude can be just as important as any lesson learned in the classroom.

The monthly meeting before school follows a familiar rhythm: bagels or donuts donated by a local business, then a game to break the ice. On this morning in January, Mayor Roswarski led the conversation about optimism—having joy, a positive outlook and excitement about life.

Third grader Max Tonsing-Carter couldn't contain his excitement about the special guest. "It was the coolest thing," he said. "It was the mayor. My mouth was wide open, I was so surprised."

As families gathered around the tables, students and parents discussed how they can strive to maintain a positive outlook and how it can change their way of looking at things. It was a conversation that felt particularly meaningful coming from the city's mayor.

Students Sloane and Ben Stevens say they enjoy the All Pro Dad meetings because it's fun to play games and eat breakfast with their father before school. Sloane remembers a session about trust and learning different ways to help others. Ben's favorite meeting involved sliding an object across the table while learning about self-control.

All Pro Dad is about creating space for connection—giving families time to slow down, talk and learn together before the school day begins. Topics include values like integrity, responsibility, kindness, accountability and courage.

Teacher Kristen Maynard, who organizes Wea Ridge's All Pro Dad chapter, says the impact goes far beyond breakfast.

"Our All Pro Dad chapter has created a little community for our dads and father-like figures, as well as an intentional focus on relationship building between families and kids and families and our school," Maynard says. "We know that parental involvement leads to better motivation and success in the classroom, and we are happy to be a program that supports that."

The remaining meeting dates are March 10, April 14 and May 12.