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Manhattan Parent Newsletter - January 2020

News Stories
a group of 12 adults smile with their arms around each other in front of a blank projector screen

Manhattan parent activists were among many faith and community leaders at our 10th annual UFT faith-based breakfast at UFT headquarters, where we discussed the importance of the 2020 Census.

Dear parents, grandparents, guardians and education activists,

I hope your 2020 is off to a great start and wish you a belated happy New Year! As we embark on the second half of the school year, we have a lot to do.

My focus these past two weeks has been to provide training to parent-led groups about good meeting governance, best practices for running an efficient meeting, how to create and pass bylaw amendments and other procedure-related topics. I've met with Community Education Councils and school-based groups like parent-teacher associations. Each group has seen the efficiency of their meetings improve. No one wants to sit through a three-hour meeting, and these trainings will help you get your business done efficiently and with minimal conflict. If you're interested in this training for your parent-teacher association, please contact me at rrobinson@uft.org.

We're also working on getting out the count for the 2020 Census! This year's Census will determine funding for public services including schools, transit and more, as well as congressional representation. Contact me to schedule a presentation for parents at your child's school or at another community organization you're a part of. In the meantime, download and share a handout about the Census »

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

Sincerely,

Rob Robinson
UFT Parent-Community Liaison
rrobinson@uft.org

Upcoming events

  • Monday, Feb. 10: There will be a meet and greet with UFT President Michael Mulgrew for parent leaders at 6 p.m. at UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway in Manhattan. Come have dinner, network with other parent education activists and learn about UFT campaigns. Register now »
  • 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 workshops about mentoring, fatherhood and empowerment. For a flier and to register, see the event listing »

Department of Education news

  • Tuesday, Jan. 21 is the deadline to apply for kindergarten: If your child is attending kindergarten next year, the deadline for applications is coming up. To apply online and explore kindergarten programs, visit MySchools »

Opportunities for students

  • Time is running out to apply for the UFT’s Albert Shanker college scholarship: High school seniors are invited to apply for a $5,000 Albert Shanker college scholarship before the Jan. 31 deadline. Each year, the UFT awards $1 million in scholarships to academically excellent and financially eligible city public high school seniors through the Albert Shanker College Scholarship Fund. To receive a $5,000 scholarship, candidates must be accepted in a full-time, matriculated, degree-granting program at an accredited college or university. Get more information on the scholarship and application materials »
  • Internship in media and tech industry for seniors: The Emma Bowen Foundation seeks to foster a diverse workforce within the media and tech industry. Graduating seniors of color who are interested in these fields are invited to apply for a paid Emma Bowen Foundation internship this summer. Applicants should apply ASAP as about 70 companies are involved and each has specific deadlines. Placements will be made by March 31. Apply now »
Related Topics: Parent News