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Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ

Uplifting all ahead of school year
By Rebecca Hadley
New York Teacher
A Staten Island parent smiles for a photo with her two children at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.
Jonathan Fickies

Cynthia Murphy and her twin sons, Logan (left) and Lucas, who are both entering IS 34 on Staten Island this fall, pose with their backpacks and school supplies.

The UFT distributed some 1,600 backpacks filled with school supplies to parents and students at its fifth annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ held on Aug. 13 at PS 18. Collaborating with District 31 and more than 35 community organizations, the union was able to provide 30% more backpacks than the 1,200 given away at last year’s event and ensure that Staten Island families left with needed resources and supplies. “It takes a village, and we have a nice little village,” said Marie Rodriguez, the UFT’s parent and community outreach liaison for the borough. While the offer of free hot dogs, burgers and backpacks may have been the biggest draw for many attendees, the annual event was also an opportunity for local families to have fun and connect. Parent Kamille Davis, whose children attend Staten Island’s PS 84, brought her family to “meet other students in the community and uplift everyone before the school year.” Said UFT Staten Island Borough Representative Sean Rotkowitz: “We’re very happy to be able to do this with all of our community partners.”

Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ 2026

A Staten Island parent smiles for a photo with her two children at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.

PS 58 parent Hanan Abdelsayd smiles with her children, Fady and Maruska, at the UFT’s fifth annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.

Jonathan Fickies
A Staten Island teacher hands out backpacks at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.

Teacher Melody Anastasiou of Staten Island’s PS 29 hands out backpacks in the UFT tent.

Jonathan Fickies
Staten Island students wear the new backpacks and other goodies they received at the event.

Staten Island students wear the new backpacks and other goodies they received at the event.

Jonathan Fickies
Families pick up school supplies from one of the community partner tables.

Families pick up school supplies from one of the community partner tables.

Jonathan Fickies
Parent coordinators from Staten Island’s PS 60 and PS 5, respectively, hand out hot dogs at one of the food tents.

Parent coordinators from Staten Island’s PS 60 and PS 5, respectively, hand out hot dogs at one of the food tents.

Jonathan Fickies
A Staten Island parent smiles for a photo with her two children at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.

Cynthia Murphy and her twin sons, Logan (left) and Lucas, who are both entering IS 34 on Staten Island this fall, pose with their backpacks and school supplies.

Jonathan Fickies
Staten Island families check out a giveaway table of food and supplies at the 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.

Staten Island families check out a giveaway table of food and supplies.

Jonathan Fickies
A parent who runs a day care center at a giveaway table with some of her students during the 5th annual UFT Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.

Micaela Olmedo (standing, with backpack), a PS 18 parent who runs a day care center, enjoys the event with students she brought from her program.

Jonathan Fickies
Staten Island Borough Representative Sean Rotkowitz (front, second from left) and event organizer and parent and community outreach liaison Marie Rodriguez (standing behind Rotkowitz), along with teachers and volunteers, gather at the conclusion of the barbecue.

Staten Island Borough Representative Sean Rotkowitz (front, second from left) and event organizer and parent and community outreach liaison Marie Rodriguez (standing behind Rotkowitz), along with teachers and volunteers, gather at the conclusion of the barbecue.

Jonathan Fickies
Young students — all holding hands and wearing matching shirts and their new backpacks — are guided through the 5th annual UFT Staten Island Back-to-School Barbecue.

Young students — all holding hands and wearing matching shirts and their new backpacks — are guided through the event.

Jonathan Fickies
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A Staten Island parent smiles for a photo with her two children at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.
A Staten Island teacher hands out backpacks at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.
Staten Island students wear the new backpacks and other goodies they received at the event.
Families pick up school supplies from one of the community partner tables.
Parent coordinators from Staten Island’s PS 60 and PS 5, respectively, hand out hot dogs at one of the food tents.
A Staten Island parent smiles for a photo with her two children at the UFT's 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.
Staten Island families check out a giveaway table of food and supplies at the 5th annual Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.
A parent who runs a day care center at a giveaway table with some of her students during the 5th annual UFT Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ.
Staten Island Borough Representative Sean Rotkowitz (front, second from left) and event organizer and parent and community outreach liaison Marie Rodriguez (standing behind Rotkowitz), along with teachers and volunteers, gather at the conclusion of the barbecue.
Young students — all holding hands and wearing matching shirts and their new backpacks — are guided through the 5th annual UFT Staten Island Back-to-School Barbecue.