Lions Ledger
November 24-28, 2025
Dear Seth Low IS 96 Families,
This week was filled with so many wonderful memories and exciting events! We began on Tuesday with the Arts in Schools event at the NYCPS Central Office! Our amazing music teacher, Mr. Ethan Hartshorn, showcased his incredible talent on the drums, proudly representing Seth Low. His involvement in the Jazz House Teacher Fellowship, along with his dedication and artistry, truly inspires our students and community!
On Monday and Friday, our Zoology elective students had the opportunity to visit an aquarium alongside Ms. Fiume and Mr. Mendoza.
On Wednesday, our 6th-grade students enjoyed their PRIDE Trip to see Zootopia 2. Special thanks to the 6th-grade team for planning a trip that incentivizes showing Seth Low PRIDE!
On Friday, our 7th-grade music and orchestra students visited the Met with Ms. Lehki and Mr. Hartshorn, while our theater elective students, alongside Ms. Grubler and Mr. Capobianco, attended Merry Mayhem at the New Victory Theater. Also on Friday, the BioBus visited Seth Low, giving all 7th-grade science classes a chance to engage in hands-on learning experiences. Special thanks to AP Fanas and Christine McWatt for coordinating such a meaningful experience!
To close out the week, all students in grades 6–8 who met the PRIDE criteria attended the Winter Wonderland Dance. From the beautiful decorations to McDonald’s and hot chocolate stands to the entertainment, students had an amazing time! Special thanks to Ms. McWatt and AP Vagner for planning and coordinating the event, and to Ms. Brenda Morales Salas and her team for creating a magical atmosphere—the balloons and décor were truly stunning! Thank you to all staff who volunteered to ensure the event ran smoothly, and a big shout-out to our PTA for setting up a snack stand and supporting us with chaperoning.
Looking Ahead:
- Dec 15–19: Tier II & III intervention students will take the San Diego Quick Assessment (SDQA) to measure progress for parent conferences during the week of January 5.
- Thu, Dec 18: District 15 visit for Tiered Intervention and ELA Core Instruction Showcase.
- Fri, Dec 19:
Marking Period 1 Awards Ceremony - 6th Grade – 9:00 AM
- 8th Grade – 10:00 AM
- 7th Grade – 11:00 AM
(Award recipient families will receive an invitation) - Sat, Dec 20: Food Pantry and Mug Painting Class for families and students.
- Mon, Dec 22: PTA Holiday Boutique during lunch periods.
- Tue, Dec 23: Half-day for students and professional learning for staff.
Cheers to another week of providing our students with limitless opportunities!
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Seth Low a place where every student thrives.
With PRIDE and Appreciation,
Christina Monfasani-Voutsinas
Welcome to the Seth Low Community!
My name is Brenda Morales, and I am the Parent Coordinator here at IS 096 Seth Low. I am thrilled to welcome you and your child to our school and look forward to supporting you both as we begin this exciting new chapter together.
This week the District 21 Community Education Council extends a warm invitation to our upcoming Business and Calendar Meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 5:30p.m.
The meeting will be held in a hybrid format.
The in-person site is:
P.S. 188 (THE MICHAEL E. BERDY SCHOOL)
3314 NEPTUNE AVENUE
Brooklyn, NY
The virtual link is:
https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/87699821402?pwd=Y3NJT1AxZZNFeCtjQXVWRTU0WjBtQT09
Meeting ID: 876 9982 1402
Passcode: 110280
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’m here to help!
📧 Email: Bmoralessalas@schools.nyc.gov
📞 Office Phone: 718-236-1344
📱 Cell Phone: 929-549-3260
Welcome again to the Seth Low family—I look forward to working with you!
Warm regards,
Brenda Morales
Parent Coordinator, IS 096 Seth Low
I am Sharea Thomas, your Community School Director. I serve as a bridge between the school and its surrounding community, ensuring that students and families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. This includes monthly food pantries, free vision and dental screenings for students and fun family events and workshops.
If you'd like to see more about the work that Community Schools is doing, please visit our website.
If you'd like to reach out to me directly, you can contact me via email at sthomas@ucsuft.org.
I look forward to supporting you in any way I can.
Monday
- US History Trip - Tenement Museum - 814 and 816 (Agostino, Criscola, and Pisciotta)
Tuesday
- PTA meeting @ 6:00
Basketball Game - JV vs 468
Basketball Game - V vs 99
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
6th Grade PRIDE Movie Trip
CEC Meeting @ 5:30
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Thursday:
- 7th Grade Movie Trip
- TRIP -8th Grade Strings/Band Lehki - Met
Friday
- 1st marking period awards
Saturday
- Food Pantry 10-12
- Adult Education: 9:00-2:00
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Competition for December is going strong. The winning classes for December will get a pizza party the first week of January. Students, log on to build your skills and your chance of winning. Good luck to all classes.
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
This is a testing week for academic vocabulary.
There are no new words.
All after-school programs are from 2:45-4:45.
- Broadway Junior - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Basketball Team - BOYS - Tuesdays
- Basketball Team - GIRLS - Wednesdays
- Beginner ENL Support - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30- 3:45. Starts11/5/25 ends on 5/7/26. All eligible students please return your permission slips
- Debate - Thursdays
- Art Therapy - Fridays
Additional after school programs beginning December 9th and will continue through May 7th.
Students will need to complete and return a Seth Low and Beacon permission slip.
PTA Board Members
Co-Presidents: Tracy Field and Lisbeth Lopez
Treasurer: Janice Ortiz
Rec. Secretary: Sandra Pellegrini
Financial Secretary: Cheryle Calandra
Corresponding Secretary: Carmela Marucci
Virtual Support Liaison: Angela Cutri
Questions about the PTA?
Feel free to contact the PTA Co-Presidents:
Tracy Field at tfield2@doeexternal.nyc or Lisbeth Lopez at llopez13@doeexternal.nyc
Click on THIS LINK to sign up for free parent workshops. All workshops are held online via Zoom and developed by clinician and researcher Annie Graham. Live captioning is available in 35 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, French and Russian.
This week's workshops are:
Thursday, December 18 @ 6:00 PM- Supporting Your Child with Stress
The purpose of Student Council is to empower our students to take an active role in their school community by promoting leadership, responsibility, and school spirit. Students will work alongside teacher Ms. Agostino and Principal Ms. Monfasani to help plan events, share student ideas, and make our school an even better place.
Members of Student Council are accountable to the students in the grade they serve and shall:
● Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with peers and teachers
● Act as positive role models in both behavior and attitude
● Listen to and represent the ideas and concerns of their classmates
● Collaborate respectfully and responsibly in meetings and activities
● Participate in organizing school events and community service projects
● Show commitment, reliability, and a willingness to lead
Schoolwide Spelling Bee
The top four spellers are:
4th place- Clarissa Ngai- Class 816
3rd place- Matthew Shumway- Class 614
2nd place- Michael McEwan- Class 710
1st place- Edwin Duran- Class 716
The top two spellers will be advancing to the Borough Qualifier.
We would also like to send a special thank you to all of the teachers who hosted the class level bees, to staff for supporting in various aspects, and to families for encouraging their children. We are so proud of all of our spellers.
Open Access
Students may come to the library to read, study, play games, do puzzles or just relax in a quiet space during their lunch periods on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Get a pass from your dean by going to the cafeteria first and then asking for a pass. Please make sure you eat before you come up.
Basketball
The Seth Low Basketball program is focused on developing the athletic skills, teamwork, discipline, and game strategies of our student athletes. We are looking forward to an exciting season.
Girls Practice:
Wednesdays from 2:45-4:45, in the 4th floor gym, beginning October 29th
Boys Practice:
Tuesdays from 2:45-4:45, in the 3rd floor gym, beginning October 28th
This week you have 3 chances to support your Seth Low Lions in the 3rd floor gym.
Tuesday, December 16th
Boys JV vs 468 330pm
Boys Varsity vs 99 430pm
Wednesday, December 17th
Girls Varsity vs 228 4pm
Coaches:
Ms. Conroy, Ms. Bermudez, and Mr. Mei
Track
The Seth Low track program is focused on supporting anyone who wants to run develop their athletic ability. We train long distance runners by jogging in the park to build endurance and we do sprints and relays in the gym. Track is for everyone.
Track Practice:
Fridays from 2:30-3:45, meet in cafeteria and then go up to the gym.
Coaches:
Ms. Bernabe-Fiume, Mr. Ling, and Mr. Machado
Soccer
Congratulations to our amazing soccer team on a great season.
After-school soccer club starts December 9th
Team soccer will have aSpring season. Details to follow.
Coaches:
Mr. Paolucci and Mr. Machado
Volleyball
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity on a well played Fall season.
The Spring season starts in late April. Check back for details.
Coach:
Mr. Machado
Visual Art
The Seth Low Visual Art program is focused on developing fundamental art skills while letting students explore their creativity. We work with a variety of mediums including acrylic paint, clay, and watercolor. We also partner with and integrate the arts in various subjects to enhance engagement and motivation.
Musical Theater
In Musical Theater, you’ll learn the fundamentals of performing while building confidence, teamwork, and stage presence.
Each year, students take the stage in our Spring Concert and have the chance to audition for the Spring Musical.
Over three years, you’ll develop your performance skills and get ready to audition for specialized performing arts high schools by the start of eighth grade.
Whether you’re new to the stage or born for the spotlight, this class lets you explore it all—singing, dancing, and acting your heart out!, and acting your heart out!
Chorus
Chorus is a year-long elective where students develop vocal skills and learn the fundamentals of singing in an ensemble setting. Throughout the course, students explore proper vocal technique, breathing, harmony, and sight-reading while gaining a foundation in music theory to support their ability to read and understand written music.
Chorus students perform in the Spring Concert each year and are encouraged to participate in the Spring Musical. As a new addition to our performing arts program, the Chorus class provides students with opportunities to grow as musicians and performers while contributing to the school’s vibrant musical community.
Band
Both groups have been visiting local elementary schools to perform and build connections in our district. We are looking forward to some trips with the orchestra students in the winter and to our spring performances coming up later in the year.
Orchestra
Our Middle School String Orchestra program emphasizes a supportive environment where every student can develop their musical voice and contribute to the success of the ensemble.
Fall Update:
Our string players are having a fantastic semester! Here’s the latest from the orchestra room:
🎵 Currently Featuring: A deep dive into core techniques, including posture, bow control, and music theory.
🎻 Focus on Fundamentals: We're honing specific skills like articulation to make our music more expressive and dynamic.
🎄 In Rehearsal: Getting into the spirit early with a fun set of holiday music.
