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, 

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your invaluable work, support, and partnership throughout this school year. Your commitment to the families and students at NYC Public Schools has been truly outstanding, and we are immensely thankful for your remarkable contributions to their lives. As you know, our vital role as family-facing staff continues all year long. 

Last year, we embarked on an exciting mission to collaborate with our families and ensure that every child in NYC becomes a proficient reader through the NYC Reads Initiative. Your exceptional efforts and dedication to this initiative have been crucial in shaping the future of our students and our great city. Today, June 1st, we are awarding certificates of completion to over 1200 NYC Reads Family Ambassadors who are serving as trusted messengers to spread literacy knowledge in our communities.  

Additionally, FACE has been working closely with families, city agencies, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to bring NYC Reads to the core of our city, integrating it into the places where people live, work, play, and thrive. We have established 17 Reading Hubs around the city that are fostering a vibrant culture of literacy, enhancing the lives of everyone in our diverse and wonderful community. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future where every student can achieve their potential as readers. 

As the school year ends, I encourage you to act and identify ways to incorporate literacy initiatives into your daily interactions  and programs. Please look out for opportunities to collaborate with families, educators, and community stakeholders to make literacy a top priority. By continuing to work together, we can ensure that every child in NYC has the resources and support they need to become proficient readers. 

With sincere appreciation, 

Dr. Cristina Meléndez 

Executive Director, Family and Community Engagement (FACE) 

Click here to follow us!   

Upcoming Events with FACE: 

FACE Big Book Party 

Saturday, June 15^th  | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY 10458 

FACE Big Book Parties are a program designed to increase book access and foster community. They are an opportunity for families, caregivers, and kids to engage in a shared, interactive, educational experience with peers and neighbors. Big Book Parties typically span 2 hours in a public location. Attendees can browse and choose their own books and interact with a community-based artist, performer, or creator who elevates our dynamic programming. Reserve here and share with your school community. 

Register here!

Events & Resources for Families:  

The People’s Money FY24 

The NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is excited to announce the voting phase of the second year of The People’s Money citywide participatory budgeting process! All New Yorkers age 11 and up, regardless of immigration status, are able to decide how to spend millions of Mayoral expense funding. 

From  Wednesday, May 1st, through Wednesday, June 12th, New Yorkers will vote to fund projects in their communities. Residents are encouraged to vote online at on.nyc.gov/pb. They  will also be able to vote by paper ballot thanks to partnerships with community based organizations.  

The HopeLine’s Food Pantry 

The HopeLine’s food pantry is a distribution model that provides our guests with the ability to take control of what food they take home. Our hybrid model now offers choice options with prepackaged groceries, including fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, dairy, and protein. We provide 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. 

Do I qualify? 

• Bronx resident 

• Valid ID 

• Proof of address (for example: electric bill, phone bill, shelter residency letter). 

Expectant Moms 

We invite you to make an appointment to receive food and a one-time welcome package of newborn diapers for your 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. 

Family Engagement Day   

Starting in May, the Office of Students in Temporary Housing and Foster Care will host its 2nd Annual Family Engagement Days in each borough.  The purpose of these events is to provide an end-of-the-year event for students and families as they adjust to their new environments.  It serves as a platform to strengthen family bonds by providing opportunities for families to spend quality time together. These events often include various activities and workshops.  By participating in these activities as a unit, families can enhance their understanding of one another and develop a stronger sense of connection. 

Target Audience:  K-7 (but all ages are invited) - The event at Intrepid is specifically for our New Yorkers who have been in shelters for much longer. 

Date                            Time                                    Venue/Borough 

06/08/2024    9:00 AM to 5:00 PM              Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Manhattan) 

06/15/2024      9:00 AM to 5:00 PM             Brooklyn Children's Museum (Brooklyn) 

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!  

Modules include:  
Getting Started - Introduce products and personal brand, description of products and services, and introduction to CoGs.  
Market Analysis - Defining the target market and understanding competitive and industry analysis.  
Marketing - Developing marketing strategy and telling brand story.  
Sales and Financial Planning - Understanding revenue, inventory management, fixed expenses, and pricing strategy.  
Bringing It All Together - Creating the final business plan framework.   

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 our 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.  

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.

Looking for a job? Develop your skills with NYC Parks!

The Parks Opportunity Program allows you to participate in job training while working to keep the city’s parks, playgrounds, and other facilities clean and green! Click here for details.

Free Family Fun Festival at Holcombe Rucker Park!

Saturday, June 22nd, 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Holcombe Rucker Park, 280 West 155th Street, MN 

Join NYC Parks, the NBPA, and additional community partners for Let’s Get Ready to Rucker! at the iconic Rucker Park to celebrate the opening of tournament season this summer—for free! The event will feature guest appearances, basketball clinics, jumbo games, arts and crafts, obstacle course, free snacks, and more!  

More information can be found at our website.

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. Click here for programs.  

Family Gallery Talks: People and Portraits 

Saturday, June 15^th | 10:15 AM & 12:00 PM 

Discover art together through engaging discussions and activities. This month the theme is People and Portraits. Register here. 

Summer Reading Kick-Off: Adventure Begins At Your Library! 

Saturday, June 8^th | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 

South Jamaica 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11433  

Kick off summer fun with "Adventures Begin at Your Library"! Join South Jamaica Reads for a day packed with activities, including summer reading registration, carnival games, book giveaways, and a paint party. Enjoy light refreshments, laughter, and a chance to win amazing prizes! Bring your family and friends for a memorable day. 

Carnaval De La Cultura Latina (Bronx Edition) 2024 

Sunday, June 23^rd | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM 

Join us in the Bronx on Sunday June 23rd, 2024, for a day filled of fun for the whole family! Indulge in Latin music, food, and culture in one of the biggest celebrations in New York City! 

Find more information here.

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.    

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.  

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 May 12, 2023, this system has served over 25,000 asylum seekers, across the Navigation Center and the 12 satellite sites located across the five boroughs. 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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