Office of Family and Community Engagement - NYC Public Schools

FACE is committed to strengthening the relationships between NYC Public Schools, families, and communities for student success.

Dear Family-Facing Team, 

As we welcome the summer season and finalize our plans for the 2024-2025 school year, we invite you to celebrate the joy of reading and the transformative power of conversation in helping kids become better readers and connect with others. 

Encouraging our children to read during the summer months not only opens doors to new worlds but also fuels imagination and improves critical thinking skills. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, an inspiring biography, or a captivating science book, there is a literary treasure for every child to enjoy. 

Our Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is committed to supporting families in creating a literacy-friendly environment at home. Therefore, we have curated a list of resources to make summer reading both enjoyable and rewarding for all. 

Families play an important role in inspiring a love for learning in their children. Engaging in daily activities such as storytelling, bedtime reading, or identifying interesting words during a walk in the park, lays a strong foundation for language development and reading comprehension. Reading is more than word recognition; it is a complex cognitive process that engages multiple regions of the brain. Through reading, our brains connect visual symbols to sounds and meanings, forming a rich network of pathways that enhance comprehension and critical thinking. 

I also encourage you to take advantage of our Reading Hubs spread across the city that are nurturing an environment of literacy, benefiting everyone in our diverse community. 

Together, let us make this summer a season of growth, discovery, and joy through reading. We deeply appreciate your continued partnership in expanding the minds and hearts of our students.  

With sincere appreciation, 

Dr. Cristina Meléndez 

Executive Director, Family and Community Engagement (FACE) 

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Events & Resources for Families:  

Job Opportunity - Administrative Assistant to the Community & Citywide Education Council - Multiple Vacancies 

Do you know someone looking for a unique job opportunity within NYCPS?  Please help us promote Administrative Assistant vacancies for CEC3, CEC8, CEC9, CEC12, CEC16, CEC25! 

The Administrative Assistant to the Community & Citywide Education Council position has been reposted from 6/20/24 through 7/5/24.   

View the posting here and share it with your school community and your networks:  Administrative Assistant to the Community & Citywide Education Council - 21967 

Free BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit is now available! 

To help support the efforts of individuals and organizations to raise awareness during this important month, Mental Health America has created its 2024 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit. The toolkit is full of free, practical resources to help navigate mental health stigma, bridge generational differences, dismantle mental health myths, and encourage meaningful conversations.  

Get your toolkit today at mhanational.org/july

FREE Tennis Program - Kings County Tennis League - GoGirlGo! 2024

GoGirlGo! is a FREE summer tennis program offered to all current, female-identifying KCTL students plus new NYCHA students ages 5 – 18.

For more information about the program, visit:  https://www.kingscountytennisleague.org/gogirlgo 

New Outpatient Clinic in Queens:  New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center

91-90 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights.

Like the other NYPCC clinics in Brooklyn and Bronx, the new Queens location is open 7 days a week, takes any Medicaid or Managed Medicaid insurance, and sees children, teens, families, and adults. Appointments are available in-person or virtual. 

Call 718-908-8000 or go to: https://nypcc.org/get-help/.  Find more information here.

Free Fridays and Movie Night at Intrepid Museum

July 26 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Intrepid Museum’s Flight Deck | Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Free Fridays are back!  The Intrepid Museum is once again extending its hours free of charge from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Don’t miss special programming during Free Fridays, including the Museum’s popular Summer Movie Series.

Click here for more information.

READ 718's Summer Programs

READ 718's Summer Programs run from July 8th through August 15th. Programs are available at their in person locations: Bed Stuy (336 Malcolm X Blvd.) and Boerum Hill (420 Atlantic Ave.), and through their Remote Program.  Please click here for more information.

The HopeLine’s Food Pantry

The HopeLine’s food pantry provides Bronx residents with the ability to take control of what food they take home. The pantry’s hybrid model now offers choice options with prepackaged groceries, including fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, dairy, and protein. The pantry provides an average of 5 to 10 pounds of meat and fish as well as other items like cooking oil, juice, bread, and special meals/snacks.

Expectant mothers are invited to make an appointment to receive food and a one-time welcome package of newborn diapers for their expectant baby. Note: You must provide a sonogram or official doctor’s note as one-time proof.

Walk in to make an appointment or call (718) 402.1212 Monday between 9:30am – 5:00pm. Click here for more information. 

Join NYC libraries this summer for free programs and events for all ages!

• Discover book lists, activities, and challenges to help kids read, learn, and have fun.

• Find out what's going on for teens at your local library, including our new and enhanced Teen Centers.

• Explore book talks, language classes, and career services for adults.

• Choose from millions of books and more to borrow—with no late fines.

• Plus, use your library card to get free passes to 90+ museums and attractions across NYC!

Click here for more programs. 

The Fresh Air Fund  

Fresh Air Fund is a non-profit youth development organization that provides free, safe, and fun summer experiences to NYC children from underserved communities and is still accepting applications for both participation at summer camps as well as employment opportunities. Find more information here.  

HBKi: Seed for Food Entrepreneurs   

HBKi: Seed is an online five-part program in which aspiring entrepreneurs are given access to tools and templates to develop critical components of their business plan, join a community of entrepreneurial peers through peer-to-peer in-person sessions at Chelsea Market, and be connected to a volunteer mentor who can provide feedback on their product and business model. A business plan is critical in helping entrepreneurs reach their milestones and even apply for funding!  Apply here! 

FREE Trainings with Job Placement for Adults with Hot Bread Kitchen  

Hot Bread Kitchen offers free culinary workforce training and job placement programs for women, gender-expansive individuals, immigrants, and people of color. Apply here.  

NYC Parks Programs and Events  

NYC Parks is the city’s principal provider of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. NYC Parks is home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.  

For more information regarding programs, click here.

NYC Parks offers a multitude of events, programs and activities made with kids especially in mind. Children will have plenty to keep them active throughout the year no matter what their interests.    

For more information regarding events for children, click here.

Free Kayaking   

Glide along the water this summer and fall in the protected embayment with free public kayaking! 

Presented in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, free kayaking is offered throughout the summer on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons through September. All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. 

Advanced registration required, providing 20 minute timed slots. Free registration opens 2 weeks ahead of each date through the Brooklyn Bridge Register here. Park Boathouse website. View all kayaking dates here.  

Learn to Swim for Tots and Children

Have fun learning basic swimming and safety skills in and around the water.

Learn to Swim classes are for tots between the ages of 1½ to 5. Click here for more information.

Learn to Swim classes are for children between the ages of 6 to 17. Click here for more information.

 Senior Splash Wednesday 

Move your body and get a great workout in our water aerobics class! Groove to heart-pumping music as you burn calories and sculpt your muscles. You will improve your cardiovascular fitness and increase your range of motion and flexibility in this supportive, instructor-led course. 

July 8, 2024 – August 30, 2024  | Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Click here for more information.

Riverside Park Conservancy - Summer on the Hudson Calendar

The mission of Riverside Park Conservancy is to restore, maintain, and improve Riverside Park in partnership with the City of New York for the enjoyment and benefit of all New Yorkers. To view the 2024 Summer on the Hudson brochure, click here.

MoMA Family Programs  

Join Heyman Family Programs at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for free onsite programs/activities. Check out free resources for families onsite, including audio guides for kids, kids labels, an activity guide for the collection, available in English and Spanish at the museum, and the programs.

Growing Up NYC  

Growing Up NYC is a one-stop hub for parents and caregivers to access city services, programs, and events for their children.  For more information, click here.

Healthy And Happy Smiles for All Children   

Almost 1000 NYC public schools offer dental services to children, at no cost to the school or to families, even if they don’t have insurance! Establishing a school-based dental program is easy! Click here to learn how to start a school-based oral health program in your school! Not sure of your school's dental care status? Contact NYCDOHMHDental@health.nyc.gov for more information.  

Visit the Multilingual Learners and Immigrant Students Support Site for New York City Public Schools   

Access relevant resources for schools, students, and families here.  

NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program   

The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program is a scholarship and savings program that supports the college and career training futures of NYC public school students— regardless of family income or immigration status. Kindergarten, first grade and second grade students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year, and are enrolled in a NYC Public School, including participating charter schools, qualify for this program.   

Click here for more information  

Continue to Support Families with Creating Their New York City Schools Account (NYCSA)   

NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is an app that helps families track their child’s education. Through NYCSA, families can see their grades, attendance, fitness results, schedule, and more.  Support families with creating and managing their accounts via the Family Access Management tool where you can print Authorization Letters.  

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT)  

 Many parents/guardians have not yet utilized these benefits, with millions of dollars currently unspent. These dollars can still be spent on food, and some of these benefits may be expiring soon. To ensure parents are made aware of this benefit, please share the January 2024: A Reminder to Families About P-EBT Benefits letter with families, which includes translations.       

For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Food Benefits.  

Ride For Half-Fair with FAIR FARES NYC   

With Fair Fares NYC, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Learn more, check your eligibility, and apply online at the Fair Fares website.    

DSS Office of Community Outreach Trainings for Community-Serving Organization Staff  

DSS OCO offers training to community-based organizations, elected officials, and municipal agencies. Book an appointment here.  

DYCD Community Connect  

DYCD  Community Connect is a resource and referral service for communities and families of New York City. Community Connect aims to increase awareness of opportunities and services available to New Yorkers. When you contact the toll-free hotline, you are connected with an Engagement Specialist that not only provides top-notch customer service but provides the public with the most updated information.   

DYCD Community Connect provides information and assistance to callers in over 180 languages.   

Hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM.   

Call in NYC: 800-246-4646  

Outside NYC: 646-343-6800  

The Legal Aid Society     

The Legal Aid Society provides individuals with legal assistance and advice in civil, criminal, and juvenile rights matters. The organization also operates hotlines for immigration, access to benefits, homelessness, and low-income taxpayer services, and has multiple locations.  For more information, click here. 

El Centro del Inmigrante   

El Centro del Inmigrante is a community-based organization and worker’s center on Staten Island that aims to promote the well-being and economic advancement of immigrant workers.  For more information regarding the organization's services and programs, please click here. 

Resources for Asylum Seekers   

The city launched a first-of-its-kind Asylum Seeker Navigation Center operated by Catholic Charities of New York, with 12 additional satellite sites run by Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across the five boroughs. As of June 11, 2024, this system has served more than 202,600 asylum seekers (since the spring of 2022). The Navigation Center system serves as a central location and referral network for asylum seekers to receive free and confidential assistance in navigating necessary services, including health care, Medicaid enrollment, vaccinations, school enrollment, immigration legal orientation, and IDNYC enrollment. Click here for more information.  

NYPD Saturday Night Lights Application  

NYPD's Saturday Night Lights program offers free youth sports programming every Saturday, including basketball, soccer, and more. Intake forms here.  

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