Sign a petition for smaller class sizes
Dear parents and caregivers,
I hope you’re looking forward to a warm and restful Thanksgiving now that we’re able to more safely gather!
In the interest of keeping it safe to gather together in person, please join the UFT in demanding that New York City elected officials and the city Department of Education set new limits on class sizes in the wake of COVID-19. We’ve always known that reducing class size is integral to student achievement and equitable schools, but now it’s also become a public health issue.
Check out more upcoming events and news you can use below.
Sincerely,
Tesa Wilson
UFT Brooklyn Parent and Community Liaison
Join the UFT Brooklyn parent outreach committee
As we gear up for more Brooklyn parent initiatives this school year, including parent workshops, conferences, book giveaways and more, we need more parent leaders on our team! Joining the UFT Brooklyn parent outreach committee is a great opportunity to network with other parents and caregivers, mobilize your community to stand up for the interests of public school families and have a lot of fun. If you’re interested, please email me at twilson@uft.org.
Upcoming events
- Monday, Nov. 29: Learn about a new initiative the DOE is rolling out in all kindergarten classes next school year at a Brilliant NYC panel that will be streamed live on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. The experts on the panel will explain the science behind accelerated learning and project-based instruction that supports the Brilliant NYC initiative. Learn more by visiting the event page.
- Wednesdays throughout the school year: United Activities Unlimited invites parents to free, evidence-based parenting workshops on Wednesday nights online via Zoom or in person on Staten Island. The workshops run from 12 to 2 p.m. for parents of children ages 0-12 and from 3 to 5 p.m. for parents of teenagers. Topics include bedtime routines, hassle-free shopping and family conflict reduction. Learn more and reserve your spot using the online registration form.
Student opportunities
- Apply for a $5,000 UFT scholarship: Each year, the UFT awards $1 million in scholarships to academically excellent and financially eligible New York City public high school seniors through our Albert Shanker Scholarship Fund. The deadline this school year to apply for a $5,000 scholarship is Saturday, Jan. 15. Learn more and apply »
- Free tutoring for students with learning disabilities: The Hunter College Learning Lab offers free one-on-one tutoring twice a week for a full year to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Learn more and apply »
- #UnfoldTheUniverse student art challenge: NASA’s biggest and most powerful space telescope is launching soon. To celebrate, NASA is inviting students to share original art depicting what they think the telescope will reveal. Submissions are due by Dec. 18, and winners will be featured on NASA’s website and social media channels. Learn more »
- Lunabotics student engineering contest: NASA and Future Engineers are challenging young innovators to help design a new robot concept for an excavation mission on the moon. The Lunabotics Junior Contest is open to K-12 students. Entries are due by Jan. 25. Learn more »
Parent news and resources
- UFT mental health referrals for students: The UFT’s Positive Learning Collaborative is offering free, confidential mental health sessions to students and to parents calling on their children’s behalf. If your child is struggling with the return to school this year, we have licensed clinicians on standby to help you access care. The helpline is open between 8:30 a.m. and midnight on Mondays through Fridays or on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can reach the helpline by calling 212-709-3222 or by texting “PLC” to 43961.
- Free vaccinations for children ages 5-11: The CDC now recommends a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. If you get your child vaccinated at a city-run or school site, the city will pay you $100. The vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect your child, family and community. Schools will host pop-up vaccination sites for students through the end of November. See the schedule »
- School bus complaints: If you have any issues with your child’s school bus service, including if there is no bus assigned for your child, you should issue a complaint to the NYC Public Advocate’s Office by email at reception@advocate.nyc.gov, by phone at 212-669-7200 or by text at 833-933-1692. You can find more information about school bus issues and how to resolve them by reading this post from Parents to Improve School Transportation »
- Get tips via text on how to promote your child’s development: Subscribe via text to Ready4K, a family engagement program that offers short text messages with fun facts and easy tips on how to promote your child’s development by building on existing family routines. This program is evidence-based and designed to be easy for parents to use. There’s no cost to subscribe. Sign up by texting “NYC” to 70138 or learn more by visiting the website »