A perfect 10
Ten years, 50 conferences!
Every fall since 2010, public school parents and community leaders in each borough have flocked to five Saturday conferences, courtesy of the UFT. This year, the borough-specific events had an especially festive atmosphere as they marked their 10th anniversary.
From 1997 until 2009, the UFT held one citywide conference. The change to five borough events provided “the opportunity to engage folks in the very communities we serve,” said Nicholas Cruz, the UFT director of community and parent engagement. “In the span of six or eight weeks, we reach more than 3,000 parents, educators and community-based organizations. With those numbers, with that reach, we can have an impact on communities; we can have an impact on legislation.”
Twenty-two years after the first UFT parent conference, these events still help parents harness their power to improve public schools for their children. And the local conferences are better able to serve the unique needs of parents in each borough.
“Each conference has its own style,” said Celia Green, a Brooklyn parent who attends and helps plan conferences in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. “In all cases, it’s a team effort.”
The first conference this year was for Manhattan parents. Held on Oct. 26 at UFT headquarters, it featured 16 workshops and, for the first time, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fair for middle and high school students — one example of how the event evolves every year. Green said the conference was full of “excellent presenters, engaged audiences and really knowledgeable people.”
The Staten Island parent conference at IS 2 on Nov. 2 featured games, music and activities for the kids. For the grownups, there were workshops in English and Spanish about parent advocacy, communication, self-care and more. Fredey Rodriguez, who was attending his third parent conference, encouraged other parents to participate. With the “right information” — which parents may struggle to get from their children’s schools, but can get easily from the UFT, Rodriguez said — “we can make sure our ideas become actions.”
A week later and 30 miles north, the Bronx parent conference welcomed more than 300 parents to the UFT’s borough office. In two of the seven workshops offered, Amiel Lucre learned about first aid at a Stop the Bleed training and about special education mediation. Lucre said she’s been “struggling” to get her son the services he needs in school for his disability. “I’m informed about procedures, but when things go wrong, I don’t know what to do,” she said. The conference, Lucre said, is “a great resource for the Bronx community” and showed her “the next step to take.”
The next Saturday, Nov. 16, more than 400 parents gathered at P 140 in Brooklyn, where the planning committee put together a carnival-themed event complete with lively student performances, a photo booth and makeovers by cosmetology students. There was a teen summit, 21 workshops and more than 100 exhibitors. Karen Chambers, a parent volunteer, said the conference is like a “support group” for parents, who realize once they talk to each other that “they’re not the only ones facing problems” in schools. “There’s a lot of help out there that they don’t know about,” she said, until they come to the conference.
The parents who attended the Queens conference on Nov. 23 at the UFT’s borough office learned about everything from school budgets to busing and specialized transportation. Tonya Williams, the mother of a 2nd-grader, said “it’s not easy to keep up” with all the things her son’s generation is dealing with, such as new technology and the Next Generation Learning Standards. But because the UFT offers “so much information” with “no shame or judgment,” Williams said, she can do her part to help her son.
As the parent conferences grow stronger each year, so does the partnership among parents, educators and the union in their work to support public schools.
“Parents are with the UFT because of the bridge and guidance provided by the UFT community and parent liaisons,” said Cruz. “We have the start of a parent movement because of our parent and community power.”
![Karen Chambers, a parent coordinator and a UFT Brooklyn parent conference planning committee member, displays the special 10th anniversary cake before attendees dig in. Women with Union Proud t-shirt stand behind a cake that is iced with the number 10](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2617.jpg?itok=d-ixhaPU)
![Brooklyn parents take a moment of stillness during a meditation and yoga class. Seated group with eyes closed performing yoga](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2543.jpg?itok=Z9VeB48c)
![Kiki Najajima-Caplan Cheerleaders with arms in the air jumping leads students from four Brooklyn schools in a steel drum band.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2366.jpg?itok=dVOwM1h4)
Students from PS 354 in Brooklyn, led by teacher Shola Roberts, perform a lively dance to start the day.
![Simone Gibson, a Brooklyn mom, gets a facial from students in the Maxwell HS cosmetology program while her daughter, Ameisha, looks on. Women seated smiles while her daughter stands](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2572.jpg?itok=yhJ3n3Cz)
![Students from PS 354 in Brooklyn, led by teacher Shola Roberts, perform a lively dance to start the day. Teacher dances in front of seated students](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2466.jpg?itok=bW50nXcO)
Kiki Najajima-Caplan, a teacher with the Children Achieving Results Effectively (CARE) program, leads students from four Brooklyn schools in a steel drum band.
![Parent volunteers and attendees smile for the camera at the photo booth. Group of women smile in front of a camera](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2526.jpg?itok=6-yrMixw)
Attendees smile for the camera at the photo booth.
![Parents from Spring Creek Parent Institute pose for a shot with Anthony Hamon and Michael Mulgrew Group of people, wearing blue and black pose for camera in a school gym](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2461.jpg?itok=PA13sfQW)
![Celia Green, with her sons Ismail (left) and Rajaee. Women stands between her sons](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2642.jpg?itok=ORO6p7br)
![Tanya Samuels (right), a parent volunteer, welcomes attendees at crowded information desks. Group of women working behind table greet visitors](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2576.jpg?itok=uAAAeZOl)
![Brooklyn Parent Conference Brooklyn Parent Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Paint_and_sip_IMG_4950.jpg?h=7d49a015&itok=Q3lKH6Qh)
This year’s conference included the first-ever “paint and sip” workshop. Attendees sipped juice while a facilitator guided them through creating their paintings.
![Karen Chambers, a parent coordinator and a UFT Brooklyn parent conference planning committee member, displays the special 10th anniversary cake before attendees dig in. Women with Union Proud t-shirt stand behind a cake that is iced with the number 10](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2617.jpg?itok=d-ixhaPU)
![Brooklyn parents take a moment of stillness during a meditation and yoga class. Seated group with eyes closed performing yoga](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2543.jpg?itok=Z9VeB48c)
![Kiki Najajima-Caplan Cheerleaders with arms in the air jumping leads students from four Brooklyn schools in a steel drum band.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2366.jpg?itok=dVOwM1h4)
Students from PS 354 in Brooklyn, led by teacher Shola Roberts, perform a lively dance to start the day.
![Simone Gibson, a Brooklyn mom, gets a facial from students in the Maxwell HS cosmetology program while her daughter, Ameisha, looks on. Women seated smiles while her daughter stands](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2572.jpg?itok=yhJ3n3Cz)
![Students from PS 354 in Brooklyn, led by teacher Shola Roberts, perform a lively dance to start the day. Teacher dances in front of seated students](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2466.jpg?itok=bW50nXcO)
Kiki Najajima-Caplan, a teacher with the Children Achieving Results Effectively (CARE) program, leads students from four Brooklyn schools in a steel drum band.
![Parent volunteers and attendees smile for the camera at the photo booth. Group of women smile in front of a camera](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2526.jpg?itok=6-yrMixw)
Attendees smile for the camera at the photo booth.
![Parents from Spring Creek Parent Institute pose for a shot with Anthony Hamon and Michael Mulgrew Group of people, wearing blue and black pose for camera in a school gym](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2461.jpg?itok=PA13sfQW)
![Celia Green, with her sons Ismail (left) and Rajaee. Women stands between her sons](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2642.jpg?itok=ORO6p7br)
![Tanya Samuels (right), a parent volunteer, welcomes attendees at crowded information desks. Group of women working behind table greet visitors](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/brooklyn-parent-conference-2019-66-O9A2576.jpg?itok=uAAAeZOl)
![Brooklyn Parent Conference Brooklyn Parent Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Paint_and_sip_IMG_4950.jpg?h=7d49a015&itok=Q3lKH6Qh)
This year’s conference included the first-ever “paint and sip” workshop. Attendees sipped juice while a facilitator guided them through creating their paintings.
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-520.jpg?itok=o8B47sYe)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-428.jpg?itok=IWE7oamO)
Taking a selfie are (from left) Janella Hinds, the UFT vice president for academic high schools; Sean Blanks, the UFT Dial-A-Teacher coordinator; and Delci Rodriguez, the UFT Queens parent liaison, who spearheaded the conference.
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-411.jpg?itok=ZQPQ5tPB)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-465.jpg?itok=HZM-R6hJ)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-507.jpg?itok=VedTkbqk)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-438.jpg?itok=5mwkaEHE)
Amy Arundell, the UFT Queens borough representative, talks with attendees.
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-413.jpg?itok=t_BaCEHP)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-423.jpg?itok=N53DS1KV)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-486.jpg?itok=lfvX85RF)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-520.jpg?itok=o8B47sYe)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-428.jpg?itok=IWE7oamO)
Taking a selfie are (from left) Janella Hinds, the UFT vice president for academic high schools; Sean Blanks, the UFT Dial-A-Teacher coordinator; and Delci Rodriguez, the UFT Queens parent liaison, who spearheaded the conference.
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-411.jpg?itok=ZQPQ5tPB)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-465.jpg?itok=HZM-R6hJ)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-507.jpg?itok=VedTkbqk)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-438.jpg?itok=5mwkaEHE)
Amy Arundell, the UFT Queens borough representative, talks with attendees.
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-413.jpg?itok=t_BaCEHP)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-423.jpg?itok=N53DS1KV)
![Queens Parent Conference 2019 Queens Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Queens-Parent-Conference-070-486.jpg?itok=lfvX85RF)
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8278.jpg?h=0f8e3b93&itok=cWofAhrJ)
Laurdes Lebron (center), a UFT Manhattan parent outreach committee member, teaches CPR to participants in her workshop.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8352.jpg?h=d05d2c9a&itok=MMli2yXY)
An attentive crowd takes notes during lunch.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8357.jpg?h=aafb8b81&itok=v1OXB0fK)
Rob Robinson, the UFT Manhattan parent-community liaison and conference organizer, addresses the group.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8176.jpg?itok=ubkeEwQP)
Workshop presenter Denisha McPherson tells parents about different college financing options.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8297.jpg?itok=FJPVOQPu)
Parents listen to comments about the Next Generation Learning Standards during a workshop titled How to Raise Brilliant Children.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8145.jpg?h=70ee900e&itok=bx0tLaoi)
Listening to UFT representative Adhim DeVeaux present a workshop titled End Bullying Now are public school parents Cassandra Williams (left) and Bernadette Seda.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8395.jpg?itok=46qEPJvX)
UFT Staff Director LeRoy Barr delivers the keynote speech.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8347.jpg?h=8324fb61&itok=PSxAZYFr)
Every participant went home with a bag full of resources.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8278.jpg?h=0f8e3b93&itok=cWofAhrJ)
Laurdes Lebron (center), a UFT Manhattan parent outreach committee member, teaches CPR to participants in her workshop.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8352.jpg?h=d05d2c9a&itok=MMli2yXY)
An attentive crowd takes notes during lunch.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8357.jpg?h=aafb8b81&itok=v1OXB0fK)
Rob Robinson, the UFT Manhattan parent-community liaison and conference organizer, addresses the group.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8176.jpg?itok=ubkeEwQP)
Workshop presenter Denisha McPherson tells parents about different college financing options.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8297.jpg?itok=FJPVOQPu)
Parents listen to comments about the Next Generation Learning Standards during a workshop titled How to Raise Brilliant Children.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8145.jpg?h=70ee900e&itok=bx0tLaoi)
Listening to UFT representative Adhim DeVeaux present a workshop titled End Bullying Now are public school parents Cassandra Williams (left) and Bernadette Seda.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8395.jpg?itok=46qEPJvX)
UFT Staff Director LeRoy Barr delivers the keynote speech.
![Manhattan Parent Conf 2019 Manhattan Parent Conf 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/Manhattan_Parent_Conf_2019_053_O9A8347.jpg?h=8324fb61&itok=PSxAZYFr)
Every participant went home with a bag full of resources.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A1961.jpg?itok=2PVM_iRB)
Participating in an interactive workshop titled Rethink Your Drink are Lorna Eubanks (left), a paraprofessional at PS 596 in the Bronx, and Angelique Perez, a paraprofessional at P168 in the Bronx.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2046.jpg?itok=ju_C-K3C)
Sharon Anderson, the UFT’s Bronx paraprofessionals representative, welcomes Bronx parent Constance Asiedu at the conference check-in.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2023.jpg?itok=E6HiLzDD)
Sean Blanks (seated), the UFT Dial-A-Teacher project coordinator, hands out swag and tells parents about the UFT’s free homework help hotline.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2051.jpg?itok=9BMqFbux)
Bronx parent Beatrice Rodriguez-Falu gets ready for the conference’s activities for grownups, while her daughter gets ready for the conference’s activities for kids.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2092.jpg?itok=yz7-tiTG)
Nicholas Cruz, the UFT director of community and parent engagement, speaks to the conference attendees.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2044.jpg?itok=ZT0688vq)
Margarita Martinez (center), Amiel Lucre (right) and Amiel’s daughter listen to the presenter from IncludeNYC during a workshop about special education mediation.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A1998.jpg?itok=Uzov6A0J)
In a workshop from the Hey There Beautiful Foundation, Eva Daniel, a Bronx parent who is part of the conference planning committee, participates in a trust exercise while Bronx student Nancy Nessim leads her through the crowd.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A1915.jpg?itok=BbH25J3U)
During the Rethink Your Drink workshop, participants measure out the amount of sugar in different beverages.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2010.jpg?itok=s6L0y6mv)
LadyPamela Damon, the CEO of Talitha Cumi Urban Etiquette and Leadership Academy, talks to participants about a program for young women called SWAGG (Sophisticated, Wise, Accomplished, Graceful Girlz).
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A1961.jpg?itok=2PVM_iRB)
Participating in an interactive workshop titled Rethink Your Drink are Lorna Eubanks (left), a paraprofessional at PS 596 in the Bronx, and Angelique Perez, a paraprofessional at P168 in the Bronx.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2046.jpg?itok=ju_C-K3C)
Sharon Anderson, the UFT’s Bronx paraprofessionals representative, welcomes Bronx parent Constance Asiedu at the conference check-in.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2023.jpg?itok=E6HiLzDD)
Sean Blanks (seated), the UFT Dial-A-Teacher project coordinator, hands out swag and tells parents about the UFT’s free homework help hotline.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2051.jpg?itok=9BMqFbux)
Bronx parent Beatrice Rodriguez-Falu gets ready for the conference’s activities for grownups, while her daughter gets ready for the conference’s activities for kids.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2092.jpg?itok=yz7-tiTG)
Nicholas Cruz, the UFT director of community and parent engagement, speaks to the conference attendees.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2044.jpg?itok=ZT0688vq)
Margarita Martinez (center), Amiel Lucre (right) and Amiel’s daughter listen to the presenter from IncludeNYC during a workshop about special education mediation.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A1998.jpg?itok=Uzov6A0J)
In a workshop from the Hey There Beautiful Foundation, Eva Daniel, a Bronx parent who is part of the conference planning committee, participates in a trust exercise while Bronx student Nancy Nessim leads her through the crowd.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A1915.jpg?itok=BbH25J3U)
During the Rethink Your Drink workshop, participants measure out the amount of sugar in different beverages.
![Bronx Parent Conference 2019 Bronx Parent Conference 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/_O9A2010.jpg?itok=s6L0y6mv)
LadyPamela Damon, the CEO of Talitha Cumi Urban Etiquette and Leadership Academy, talks to participants about a program for young women called SWAGG (Sophisticated, Wise, Accomplished, Graceful Girlz).
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1000.jpg Two women working with kids on project](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1000.jpg?itok=MSrz6jvQ)
Carolina Mendez (seated, center) and her children work on an art project with the help of instructor Melanie Sepulveda, a teacher at IS 27.
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0785.jpg Mother holding child in her arms](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0785.jpg?itok=-OWSZ89X)
Listening to a presentation titled Steering Your Students Toward Success is Fidelfa Zosasas and her daughter.
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0863.jpg Three women and one man in school hallway talking](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0863.jpg?itok=J9v0A55o)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0906.jpg People seated in a classroom with teacher standing](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0906.jpg?itok=ucFPsNUW)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55 - O9A0917.jpg Two women talk to each other from across a table](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0917.jpg?itok=SmG-5xJa)
Julia Luppino (left), who presented on behalf of Parent to Parent of New York State about state resources for people with developmental disabilities, speaks with Lucia Curatolo-Boylan, a PS 9 parent.
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1021.jpg Woman speaks in front of crowd of people seated](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1021.jpg?itok=eNa-UV8v)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1134.jpg Woman sits in auditorium with sleep child in stroller](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1134.jpg?itok=wZ6aC2v4)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1050.jpg Three women on stage, one speaking into microphone](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1050.jpg?itok=w-aR8w4z)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0893.jpg Man receiving a shot by nurse](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0893.jpg?itok=nTjLS_-Q)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1000.jpg Two women working with kids on project](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1000.jpg?itok=MSrz6jvQ)
Carolina Mendez (seated, center) and her children work on an art project with the help of instructor Melanie Sepulveda, a teacher at IS 27.
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0785.jpg Mother holding child in her arms](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0785.jpg?itok=-OWSZ89X)
Listening to a presentation titled Steering Your Students Toward Success is Fidelfa Zosasas and her daughter.
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0863.jpg Three women and one man in school hallway talking](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0863.jpg?itok=J9v0A55o)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0906.jpg People seated in a classroom with teacher standing](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0906.jpg?itok=ucFPsNUW)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55 - O9A0917.jpg Two women talk to each other from across a table](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0917.jpg?itok=SmG-5xJa)
Julia Luppino (left), who presented on behalf of Parent to Parent of New York State about state resources for people with developmental disabilities, speaks with Lucia Curatolo-Boylan, a PS 9 parent.
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1021.jpg Woman speaks in front of crowd of people seated](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1021.jpg?itok=eNa-UV8v)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1134.jpg Woman sits in auditorium with sleep child in stroller](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1134.jpg?itok=wZ6aC2v4)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A1050.jpg Three women on stage, one speaking into microphone](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A1050.jpg?itok=w-aR8w4z)
![Staten Island Parent Conference 2019 - 55-O9A0893.jpg Man receiving a shot by nurse](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_scale_and_crop_330x220/public/photos/staten-island-parent-conference-2019-55-O9A0893.jpg?itok=nTjLS_-Q)