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Our Most Important Partners
Dear New Yorkers,
For our schools to be their best, we must build trust and engage with our most important partners—our families. One of the most impactful ways you can partner with us is by volunteering at your child’s school.
I know just how busy family life is. That’s why, when I was a principal, I encouraged parents to begin by volunteering in a small way—to help with a specific task that fits with their drop-off or pickup times. This first visit is a good time to speak with your school’s parent coordinator or staff members about what you might be able to offer.
When you volunteer, even for as little as an hour, you strengthen your child’s connection to school, and you strengthen the school community. Research shows that children whose parents get involved in their schools perform better academically, have better attendance, and show improved social skills and adaptability.
Some possible opportunities at your school may include helping with safe passage in the neighborhood at arrival and dismissal times, chaperoning a field trip, organizing or helping with a school newsletter, attending events that showcase student work, or getting involved in the school’s PTA or other parent-involvement group.
Also, please don’t forget to vote for your Community and Citywide Education Council members; this is one of the best ways to participate and have a direct impact on issues that affect your school community. You can learn more about the parents running for seats on your local and citywide councils at apps.schools.nyc/CECProfiles. Voting is open through May 9.
There are many meaningful ways to volunteer…and any amount of time and support you can provide is tremendously appreciated. To learn how you can get more involved, please reach out to your school’s principal or parent coordinator. You can use Find a School to locate the parent coordinator at your child’s school, and you can visit our Family Empowerment website to learn about other ways to get involved.
Thank you for being a part of the New York City Public Schools. We are here to earn your trust, and we welcome your partnership.
Soaring high,
David C. Banks
Chancellor
Here is the weekly video from Mayor Eric Adams.