Dear parents, grandparents and education activists,

We at the UFT Brooklyn parent outreach committee hope you and your family had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving.

We want to remind you to sign up for UFT text messages by texting the word "PARENT" to 30644. We'll send you updates about things like school closings and delays. We'll also send you a copy of this newsletter that you can easily read on your mobile phone. You can also sign up for text messaging using this online form »

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

Sincerely,

Betty Zohar
UFT Parent-Community Liaison

Upcoming events

• Wednesday, Nov. 30: Public Advocate Letitia James invites you to a public forum about the state of New York City Renewal Schools in year three of the program. The meeting will run from noon to 2 p.m. at the CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan. For more information and to register, see the event listing »

• Saturday, Dec. 3: Come to a free screening of "Family Rewritten," a film about the foster care system, followed by a panel discussion. The film will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at 406 Third Ave. in Brooklyn. For more information and to reserve your seat, see the event listing »

• Tuesday, Dec. 6: You're invited to a free presentation about breastfeeding disparities and the Baby Friendly Initiative. The lecture will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 1 to 2 p.m. at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 395 Lenox Road in Brooklyn. For more information, email Dr. Waltrous at leone.waltrous@downstate.edu.

• Saturday, Dec. 10: The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum invites girls who are 8th- and 9th-grade students to an information session about its "GOALS for Girls" summer intensive. The information session will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, which is at the intersection of West 46th St. and 12th Ave. Register now »

• Wednesday, Dec. 14: There will be a free UFT Beautiful Me! workshop at 6 p.m. at UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway in Manhattan, on the 10th floor. Bring your daughters and enjoy a wonderful workshop that helps girls develop character, confidence and courage. Snacks will be served. RSVP to Francine Streich at 212-701-9464 or fstreich@uft.org. See the flier »

• Saturday, Dec. 17: Mentoring in Medicine, Inc. invites students of all ages, parents, educators, health professionals and community members to a free health and science expo. This year's theme is "Empowerment and Education." The expo will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frederick Douglass Academy, 2581 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. RSVP online now »

News you can use

• Foster care investigations and asking for help: At Urban Matters, parent Jeannette Vega writes about asking for help when your family is struggling financially and about the fear of being judged as a bad parent or losing custody of your children. Read more »

• Apply to join the Panel for Educational Policy: A Brooklyn parent appointee to the Panel for Educational Policy has stepped down, so the panel is seeking a replacement. To be considered for the position, email your resume to seanjames@brooklynbp.nyc.gov. To find out more about the panel, visit its website »

• Writing internships at YCteen Magazine: High school students between the ages of 15 and 20 are invited to apply for spring writing internships with YCteen Magazine. Applications are due by Feb. 10. Find out more »

• Free career preparation program for young fathers at LaGuardia Community College: If you are, or soon will be, a father between the ages of 18 and 25, do not have a high school diploma and are unemployed or underemployed, LaGuardia Community College in Queens invites you to apply for the free CUNY Fatherhood Academy. This program will help you prepare for the high school equivalency exam, explore career options, find jobs and internships and get parenting support. Find out more »

• Enter the Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission's art, poetry and essay contest: The commission invites students in grades 4 through 12 to submit art, poetry and essays by Dec. 1 to win prizes. This year's topic is: "With Dr. King in mind, how do you feel about the 2016 presidential election?" For details and instructions, view the website »

• Join a Brooklyn mentoring program for men: PLOT, or Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow, matches young men between the ages of 9 and 21 with reliable male mentors to attend community events, play sports and potentially develop long-term friendships. PLOT is accepting applications for both mentors and mentees. Visit the website »

• Subscribe to Little Passports and get monthly educational packages for your child: For a monthly fee, Little Passports sends your child age-appropriate packages filled with information and activities about different parts of the world. This program is a fun way to learn about the world without leaving your home. Find out more »