UFT President Michael Mulgrew welcomed the large crowd of Manhattan parents, grandparents and education activists to the UFT’s Manhattan Parent Conference on Oct. 19.

Parent Chie Willard participates in a workshop during the conference.

Marie Plaisir attends a workshop during the conference.

Al Kurland, a youth manager with the Police Athletic League, listens to the keynote speakers during the conference.

UFT Parent and Community Liaison Francine Streich, who organized the conference, addresses the audience.

T. Elzora Cleveland, a community education council member for District 2, sits in on a session.

Participants pick up material on the Common Core Learning Standards during the conference.

With a bag for all their handouts and resource materials, parents are ready to get the most out of the conference.

Mulgrew updates parents on what to expect in the new school year ahead and how to make the most of their opportunities to engage with their children’s schools and educators.

Scott Stringer, the Manhattan borough president and Democratic nominee for city comptroller, visits with parents at the UFT conference.