Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the New York State PTA Legislative Summit to speak with many dedicated parents, educators, and students who came to Albany to advocate on the behalf of children. NYSPTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky and her team do such a wonderful job providing the leadership necessary to help parents and families make their voices heard. I thank the NYSPTA and all of you for everything you do to stay involved in your schools and support students.

Every February, the nation celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the innumerable contributions that African Americans have made to our country. This week, Board of Regents Chancellor Rosa and I issued a statement in honor of Black History Month, and we have also been highlighting our My Brother's Keeper (MBK) initiative throughout the month on social media. We asked students participating in MBK programs to tell us what they want the future to look like. Follow #MyHistoryMyFuture on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to read their reflections.

Finally, I wanted to remind you that if you have a college-bound student, you should be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal deadline to apply for the 2017-18 school year is June 30, 2018, but it is important to complete the application as soon as possible to avoid missing out on available aid. If you're a New York State resident and have completed the FAFSA, you should also complete the online New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. If you have other questions about financial aid, the SUNY Smart Track financial literacy website has a lot of great resources that can help you plan for the costs of college.

We have made it easier to subscribe to our parent email list, so please spread the word in your communities and help us all stay connected!

Sincerely,