Dear parents, grandparents and education activists,

I want to remind you to sign up for UFT text messaging by texting the word "parent" to the number 30644 and answering the questions that follow. We'll alert you about school cancellations due to weather, political campaigns and breaking news, and we'll even send a text message that links to a copy of your newsletter you can easily read on your mobile phone.

Enjoy more events, resources and news below.

Sincerely,

Joan McKeever-Thomas
UFT Parent-Community Liaison

Upcoming events

• Tuesday, March 29: Parent to Parent NY, Inc. and the Department of Education will host an information session about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Nest and ASD Horizon programs. These public school programs support students with autism in integrated classrooms. The information session will run from 10 a.m. to noon at 1050 Forest Hill Road in Staten Island. To register, call 718-494-4872 or email SIPTP@aol.com.

• Wednesday, March 30: Come to free anti-bully support workshops on March 30, April 13 and May 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 584 Bloomingdale Road in Staten Island. Children and teens who have been bullied are invited to this safe space to talk about how to solve the problem of bullying. Refreshments will be served. If you have questions, call 646-765-6531.

• Thursday, March 31: There will be free breast cancer screenings at a mobile clinic at 250 Kingston Ave. in Brooklyn from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Women over the age of 40 who are New York City residents and haven't had a mammogram in the past year are welcome to make an appointment for a mammogram or clinical breast exam at no cost. To make an appointment, call 718-619-4248. For more details, see the event listing »

• Saturday, April 2: There will be a citywide baby shower at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building R in Staten Island from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. New and expecting parents are invited to enjoy food, entertainment, activities and information about New York City resources for parents of babies. RSVP online now »

• Saturday, April 9: The Junior League of Brooklyn and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity invite students in grades 8 to 12 to receive free prom attire at the annual day of beauty from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PS 161, 330 Crown St. in Brooklyn. There will be a self-confidence panel and a giveaway of suits and dresses. Preregistration is required. RSVP online now »

• Saturday, April 9: Come to the fatherhood and family enrichment conference organized by the ROLE Call, Staten Island Borough President James Oddo and Healthy Families Staten Island. The conference will have workshops on early childhood, financial planning and more. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Port Richmond High School in Staten Island. Lunch will be served. This is a free event. RSVP online now »

• Monday, April 11: Come to an information session about free English classes at the St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave. in Staten Island at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. In order to register for English classes, you must attend an information session. There will also be information sessions on Thursday, April 14 at 1617 Richmond Road at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 16 at 75 Bennett St. at 11 a.m.; and Tuesday, May 3 at 56 Giffords Lane at noon. See the flier »

• Saturday, April 30: The Port Richmond Library invites families to a library activity day and giveaway from 2 to 4 p.m. at 75 Bennett St. There will be a library store, arts and crafts, story time and free books and pajamas. There will also be information about adult literacy and adult education. To ask questions or RSVP, contact Patricia Walton at patriciaw@roots-wings.org or 718-447-7740, ext. 4288.

• Saturday, May 21: The Staten Island Community Partnership Program invites you to a family learn and play day at Staten Island Mental Health Society, 669 Castleton Ave. This free event will feature resources for parents to help their young children learn through play, activities for children, food and giveaways. RSVP by emailing Patricia Walton at patriciaw@roots-wings.org.

News and resources

• "No-shush" church service for people with disabilities: Oakwood Heights Community Church at 345 Guyon Ave. in Staten Island invites people with developmental disabilities and their families to a "no-shush" service on the third Sunday of every month at 12:30 p.m. The service is meant to fit the needs of people who want to worship but may be sensitive to the loud sounds of a regular service. See the website »

• Free parenting and anger management classes: Families on the Move and the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island invite parents to register for 14-session parent empowerment classes at 255 Westwood Ave. in Staten Island. For more information and to register, call Shawana Wright at 347-682-4871 or email institute@fotmnyc.org.

• Free fruits and vegetables for some Staten Island residents: The Mariner's Harbor Mobile Market and Mobile Market on Staten Island are each held twice a month and provide free fruits, vegetables and recipes for families in their respective neighborhoods. Just bring proof of address and a matching photo I.D.
  
  The Mariner's Harbor market is open to those living in Mariner's Harbor Houses - NYCHA, Arlington Terrace Apartments and zip codes 10302, 10303, 10310 or 10314. It is located at the basketball court at 22 Roxbury St. and meets every first Wednesday and third Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For dates and details, see the flier in English and Spanish »
  
  The Mobile Market on Staten Island is open to those who participate in Stapleton Houses Senior Center programs or who live in zip codes 10301, 10304, 10305 or 10310. It is located in the tennis courts behind 75 Hill St. on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For dates and details, see the flier in English and Spanish »

• Apply for a grant from the Build a Better School Contest: The Municipal Credit Union, the UFT and other partners are accepting video entries for our third annual Build a Better School Contest. Public school students are invited to submit a three-minute video that explains why their school is in need and what project they would undertake to make it better. The winning school will receive a $10,000 grant and other prizes. For more details, see the flier »

• Free financial counseling near you: The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs invites you to visit one of two Financial Empowerment Centers in Staten Island to get help with handling debt collectors, improving your credit, creating a budget, opening a bank account and more. Counseling is free, confidential and available in multiple languages. To make an appointment, call 311. Visit the website »

• Free e-books for low-income children: Adults working in libraries, schools, preschools, community after-school programs and other programs that serve low-income children can register children for the Open eBooks app, which offers thousands of best-selling books to low-income children to read for free. Find out more »