Menands, NY – Assemblymember Phil Steck (D Colonie) today presented a $50,000 grant to the Menands Union Free School District to expand initiatives that strengthen the partnership between families and schools while supporting student success.

Through this funding, the district will continue its Parent Liaison program, which serves as a critical bridge between families and the school community. The Parent Liaison helps parents navigate communication with the school, supports families of chronically absent students, assists during teacher meetings, and provides tours and guidance for new families entering Pre K and kindergarten.

The grant will also support family engagement events designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Literacy Night will invite families to participate in interactive reading activities and meet an author, while STEM Night will give families hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math together. In addition, the district will host cultural and heritage celebrations such as Hispanic Heritage Month, National Women’s History Month, and Black Excellence Celebrations to foster diversity, pride, and belonging.

The Menands PTA will partner with the district to offer educational sessions for parents on timely issues such as online safety and social media use, gaming and gambling awareness, vaping, and restorative practices.

“Strong partnerships between schools and families are vital for student achievement,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck. “I am proud to secure this funding to ensure that Menands families have access to the resources, programs, and opportunities they need to help their children thrive academically and socially.”

Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo expressed gratitude for the continued support by saying, “We are grateful for Assemblymember Steck’s steadfast support of the Menands Union Free School District over the years. His commitment has opened doors for us to engage parents in meaningful ways and to strengthen our home-school partnerships.”

Assemblymember Steck has a long history of supporting the Menands Union Free School District. In 2023 he provided a $250,000 grant for paving improvements on school grounds, ensuring a safer and more accessible campus for students and families. In 2024 Steck secured two additional grants, one for $15,000 and another for $50,000, to support family engagement and educational programs that continue to enhance learning opportunities for students and parents alike.

The $50,000 grant announced today will allow the district to continue developing programming that addresses academic, social-emotional, and cultural needs while creating opportunities for families to learn and grow together.