When Hurricane Sandy ravaged our region late last year New Schoolers came together: thanks to our students, staff and faculty's patience and perseverance, we were able to complete the semester safely and on schedule. This was The New School community at our best. After the storm, many parents voiced an interest in hearing more from The New School, calling not only for immediate information during crises, but for more in-depth news on student and faculty work across divisions. With this in mind, I am happy to introduce Parents@The New School, an electronic newsletter you will receive twice each semester. With articles highlighting university news and initiatives, facilities upgrades, and new academic programs, Parents@The New School will bring our community into focus for you.

February 4, 6:30 p.m. Should Critics be Harsh? With Daniel Mendehlson, Troy Patterson and others

February 7, 8:00 p.m. Newman-Oltman Guitar Duo Recital (Mannes College Ensemble in Residence)

February 14, 7:30 p.m. Is America Becoming Ungovernable? A Panel Discussion

At the presidential inauguration, Parsons alumni captured international attention when the first lady wore designs by Reed Krakoff and Jenna Lyons.

The nation's paper of record praised Mannes Opera's "fine singers and fearless comic actors" performances in their production of works by Stravinski and Rossini.

The New School Free Press captured national honors at the Associated Collegiate Press's annual conference in Chicago.

Students in Parsons' Flat Pack Studio made big design fit in small packages.

Since earning her BFA/BA from The New School last year, Amanda Ruzza has hit the ground running, with a new full-length album and gigs from California to Manhattan.

In the middle of a year of volunteer work with at-risk New York City kids, a group of New School undergraduates are learning that mentoring means hard work--and lots of creativity.