Dear parents, grandparents, guardians and education activists,

In honor of Black History Month, let's remember to celebrate African American achievements as we promote kindness in our schools, places of worship and community centers. When we honor equity, equality and humanitarian efforts, we carry the spirit of Black History Month with us all year long.

Check out the upcoming events and news you can use below.

In unity,

Nicholas Cruz
UFT Director of Community and Parent Engagement
ncruz@uft.org

Upcoming events

• Saturday, Feb. 29: There will be a Bronx summer camp fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Road. Learn about free and low-cost summer programs for kids ages 3 through teens. There will also be giveaways, face painting and other activities. Learn more and register »

• Monday, March 16: Get on the bus for a UFT lobby day in Albany! New York State continues to shortchange students in high-needs schools. Together we'll tell our state legislators that NYC parents demand they protect public education and increase school funding. The Bronx bus will pick up at 7 a.m. from the UFT's Bronx borough office at 2500 Halsey St. Register now »

• Saturday, March 21: Come to the 30th annual Latino College Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at New York University's Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square S. in Manhattan. Meet admissions representatives and attend college prep seminars in English and Spanish. Learn more and register »

• Saturday, April 4: The UFT will host its fifth annual Men in Education Symposium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway in Manhattan. There will be awards, student musical performances, breakfast and lunch, giveaways, raffles and speakers addressing mentorship, fatherhood and empowerment. For a flier and to register, see the event listing »

News you can use

• Apply for pre-K by March 16: Pre-K applications are open to all NYC families with children born in 2016. To learn more and apply, visit the DOE website »

• Parent-teacher conferences are coming up in March: Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for March 4 and 5 in elementary and K-8 schools, March 12 and 13 in middle schools and District 75 programs, and March 19 and 20 in high schools, K-12 schools and 6-12 schools. Be sure to check your school's calendar, as dates and times may vary. In the meantime, check out the UFT guide to getting the most out of parent teacher conferences »

• Exhibition of black superhero art: The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute at 120 E. 125th St. in Manhattan is showing an exhibition titled "The Color of Power: Heroes, Sheroes, and Their Creators," featuring work from comic book artists celebrating the beauty of the African Diaspora. The exhibition will be on display until June. To plan your visit, visit the website »