The Wednesday Weekly
December 11, 2024
Dear PS 107 Families,
December is well underway and the winter holiday recess is quickly approaching. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind all of our families of the importance of regular school attendance. As you may have read in the news, chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% of the school year for any reason, has been on the rise since the pandemic nationwide, and we see the same trends here at PS 107. Chronic absenteeism impacts not only student learning, but also students’ ability to build relationships at school and feel a part of the community. On the face of it, missing 1-2 days per month may not seem like a big deal, but these absences do often lead to long-term academic difficulties and less of a sense of connectedness with the school community.
At PS 107, we have an Attendance Team who meets monthly to review absenteeism data. Members of this team – me, Ms Rinah, Ms Sarah, and Ms Colleen – may reach out to you if your child is identified as chronically absent, and we aren’t certain of the reason why (continue sending those absence notes to your child’s teacher, copying Ms Nadia in the main office). We are happy to offer any support that your family may need to help get your child to school. Further, if you are struggling in any way to get your child to school, please reach out to our counseling team, Ms Sarah and Ms Colleen, for support. (And, as the parent of a child with significant school avoidance/refusal, know that I understand the unique challenges of this and am here to help in any way possible!)
Finally, please remember that our school day begins at 8:20 AM. We close our entry gates at 8:25 AM and our main doors at 8:30 AM. Starting at 8:25 AM, students will be marked late by their teachers. We have a lot of latecomers, which also has an impact on a child’s transition into the school day. Please make an effort to leave your house just a few minutes earlier to get your child to school on time! (And trust me, I understand the challenges of this one too. 🙂)
POWERHOUSE BOOK FAIR – THANK YOU!
Thank you, thank you to our Powerhouse Book Fair parent organizers, Tyler Mills, Feba Michel, and Rachel Opsal! We love that we can support a local business at the same time that we are getting books into the hands of our students.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Yesterday, our student Green Team, led by 5th grade teacher Ed Schulz, had their moment to shine, presenting to the entire school over Zoom about the importance of using fewer single-use plastics. You can see their entire presentation on our Instagram page. They did all of the research and created their own slides to share with the entire school. This is a great example of student agency driving change, a key part of our school’s mission.
In addition, our student Kindness Club has really been in the spotlight this month, with daily morning announcements about the importance of kindness. Watch yesterday’s announcement here, with 4th graders Louise and Olivia. Take note of what they say – they wrote it themselves! “Did you ever wonder how we can change the world? We can do it one act of kindness at a time. Be kind to someone and they will be kind to someone else. Kindness is contagious, pass it on!” Other members of our Kindness Club have been creating posters about the importance of being kind to others and hanging them around the school building. And Ms Rinah and I have been giving stickers to students who are “caught being kind” across the school day. As your child’s first teacher, consider the ways that you can model kindness in your daily lives. As Amelia Earhart said, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
Have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
BIG APPLE AWARDS
As in prior years, the DOE recognizes and celebrates teacher excellence through the Big Apple Awards (BAA). The BAA nomination process for the upcoming cohort of fellows for the 2025–26 school year is now open through January 21. You are invited to nominate a teacher for the Big Apple Award by completing this nomination form by January 21.
Nominated teachers will receive an email from bigappleteachers@schools.nyc.gov with a request to complete a nomination application by February 24. All winning fellows will receive surprise visits to their classrooms in May and June 2025.
*Please see the attached flyer for more details!
FAMILY INCOME FORMS
All families should complete the Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for a variety of programs and educational initiatives, whether or not they qualify for free or reduced lunch. The deadline for submission is December 13 and we strongly encourage all families to complete the form.
If you are opting out and do not want to disclose your household's financial information, your child will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch. Breakfast and lunch are free for ALL NYC students regardless of what you put on the form.
You can opt out by clicking the box that says "I do not wish to provide my household information" but then you need to complete filling out the form by listing all of your children who attend NYC public school along with their DOB and OSIS (Student ID). You can find your child's Student ID in Operoo or your NYCSA accounts. At the end of the form you need to digitally certify and submit. You will receive a receipt in your email in-box if you have correctly submitted the form.
NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT - NYCSA
This is a NYC DOE parent account for students grades K - 12 that enables parents/guardians to view all of their children’s records - grades, fitnessgrams, attendance, your child’s DOE email, etc. At least one parent/guardian will need to have access to this account.
We strongly encourage all parents/guardians to have their own account. Any parent with children in grades k-5 who does not have their own NYSCA , please contact nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov for instructions and your unique account creation code.
OPEROO
Please email Nadia if you would like to be added to Operoo for your child. When families apply in MySchools, only one parent is listed and that is the parent that rolls up to Operoo. If you send a request to be added to an account, it will usually be completed within a 24 hour timeframe on school days :)
LOST & FOUND - Updated 12-10-24
Please check this document for some updated pictures : Did You Lose Me?
*If you see an item you now have in your possession, please just ignore the picture in the document
NYCPS / DISTRICT 15 / COMMUNITY
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP : LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
This 7 part series will share ideas & strategies to positively support your child's behavior at home.
Join us Friday's at 12pm : Dec 20
- Click here for Zoom
- Click for Lunch & Learn Flyer
PROJECT OPEN ARMS - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Join Project Open Arms on teams as they provide and overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.
DECEMBER 11TH AT 6PM
MEETING ID: 283 112 531 014
PASSCODE: 9RK39DE6
DECEMBER 18TH AT 1PM
MEETING ID: 218 432 894 762
PASSCODE: PB6YT2GC
NEW YORK IMMIGRATION COALITION - WINTER RESOURCE FAIR
The NYIC is hosting a Key to the City Winter Resource Fair on Thursday, December 12, from 10am - 1pm, at the Ingersoll Community Center in Downtown Brooklyn.
Local community-based organizations will be sharing free resources and services! We will be distributing free food and family essentials, including hats and gloves.
The New York Legal Assistance Group will be providing free immigration legal consultations (by appointment only).
This event is free and open to all New Yorkers regardless of status.
FAIR FARES NYC
Fair Fares NYC is a City program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. For more information, please visit the FAIR FARES NYC website.
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Every Thursday, rain or shine, students and guardians are invited to join the legendary PS 107 Track Team for a weekly morning run in Prospect Park. TMTR will meet in front of PS 107 each Thursday at 7am, where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 45 minute run/trot/jog.
No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
BOOK CLUBS
Everyone is a reader – some just haven’t found their favorite book yet! If your child is looking for literary inspiration or loves to talk about a good book with friends, please consider joining us for monthly book club meetings Tuesday mornings. Meetings are underway for Grades K, 1, 3, and 5.
Note: Participating students in all grades must remain with a parent or guardian throughout book club meetings.
* Want to be a PS 107 Literacy Legend and lead a book club for grade 2 or 4? Sign up using the link here.
MATH MAGIC
On Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20am, join us in the 4th floor art room for games, puzzles, worksheets, coffee, doughnuts, and Pi. (Bring your own reusable mug, if possible.) Sharpen your math skills with friends and mingle with kids and parents from other grades. All ages and proficiencies welcome.
Please note: Participating kiddos are asked to remain in the art room until 8:20am and parents or guardians of students in all grades are asked to stay for the duration. We hope to see you there!
PSSE COMMITTEE'S INFORMATION SESSION AND Q&A WITH 'INTERACTIVE DISCOVERY'
On Thursday, December 12th from 12-1pm, the PSSE Committee will be hosting local psychology group practice 'Interactive Discovery' for an information session and Q&A. Topics discussed will include practical trips for navigating holiday travel with neurodivergent children, creating a comfortable environment for neurodivergent children at holiday parties and family gatherings, preparing for sensory or social challenges, using social stories to support children during the holidays, and modeling neurodiverse-affirmative language for family and friends to foster a supportive and respectful environment. All families are welcome to join here, on Zoom.
FUNDRAISERS
BOOK DRIVE
Time to look through your child's bookshelves and trim down on titles you have outgrown! On Thursday, December 12 at morning drop-off, please donate your gently used children's books outside the main entrance to the DEI and Community Outreach Book Drive!
Books will be sold as part of Saturday's Art and Craft Fair; proceeds will be used to purchase holiday gifts for kindergarteners at PS 169 in Sunset Park as well as to fund the DEI Committee's diverse book initiative.
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. From NOW through Friday, December 13th, all donations will be MATCHED by an anonymous team of PS 107 families until we reach 10K. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Donate via Konstella here,
- Share this link with non-Konstella using friends and family, or
- Leave a check made out to PS 107 PTA with Ms. Nadia in the office.
- We also accept gifts of stock here - stock donations are tax-free!
YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Many thanks to our amazing school community for all of the ways you contribute.
FOLEY FIRS CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
If you are planning to purchase a Christmas tree this holiday season, Foley Firs is partnering with PS 107 to help raise money for our school. NOW through Monday, December 23rd, mention PS 107 and sign the school’s fundraiser list when purchasing your tree at Foley Firs and The PS 107 PTA will receive a $10 donation for each tree purchased. Foley Firs is located on the corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue; free tree delivery is available. You can also order online - be sure to enter PS107 during checkout.
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Community Outreach Committee will be collecting food donations for CHiPS, a soup kitchen and food pantry which helps support neighbors currently experiencing food insecurity.
Find volunteers by the school’s main entrance where they will be collecting:
o Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
o Bread Packages
o Lunch Meat Packages
o Eggs
o Tortillas
o Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
o Microwavable meals
o Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
o Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
o Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
o Fruit Cups
o Fresh Fruit
o Individually Wrapped Snacks
o Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and Plastic cutlery
PS 107 WINTER COAT DRIVE
Help provide winter coats to our sister school, PS 124, by donating new or gently used coats sizes 2T to Youth 20 NOW through Friday, December 13th. Contact Julie Schmidt at imjuliemee@gmail.com for donation coordination OR purchase from the PS 124 Winter-ware Wishlist here.
TEACHER AND STAFF HOLIDAY POTLUCK
It's the most delicious time of the year at PS 107! PS 107's annual Teacher and Staff Holiday Potluck is coming up on Friday, December 13th. Teachers and staff revel in the yummy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon treats that families share. There are still many ways to contribute using the Pot Luck Sign Up here. Contact Megan Hartley (megan.hartley@gmail.com) or Diana Gatschey (dlgatschet@gmail.com) with questions.
ART & CRAFT FAIR
This Saturday, December 14, from 12-3pm, PS 107 will host our beloved Winter Art and Craft Fair! At the PS 107 Art and Craft Fair, parents, students, staff, and members of our school community will come together to sell handmade art, make holiday crafts, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness this season! Join us for pizza, popcorn, hot cocoa, music, shopping, and general merriment - all while raising funds for our school. Adults and children of all ages welcome.
Donate to the Bake Sale - Sign up to drop off a treat or snack here.
Volunteer - This event is being run 100% by volunteers! If you are able to lend a hand to help this event run smoothly, PLEASE sign up here.
December Collection: Wednesday, December 18th at drop-off: Cleaning out your kids' belongings before the holiday gift-giving season? Please bring us your sensory tools that didn't work out! Weighted blankets/lap pads, fidgets, wobble stools and cushions, etc. are welcome and will be donated to the school cozy corners and related service providers.
We will collect again in January.
DISNEY ON ICE
Step inside the magical adventures of Disney's Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice. Nearly 160 tickets have already been purchased by PS 107 families; join in the fun on Saturday, January 18th at 7pm at the Barclays Center.
Tickets can be purchased through Zeffy for $45 each, with $11 per ticket going to the PTA. If you would like to attend but need financial assistance, please contact Parent Coordinator, Nadia Benlarbi.
SPECIAL EVENT: SPRING AUCTION
Our Spring Auction in April is the single largest fundraising event of the year. We need these contributions to make it a success:
Help plan the event - signup on Konstella to lead or join the committee. Our growing team has already booked a venue, started soliciting donations and begun planning food, beverages and decor. Join them!
Donate an auction item - can you - or someone you know - donate a vacation home stay, tickets for a show or game, a hospitality or entertainment gift, or any other service/experience/item? Complete this form to tell us about your donation or get in touch to discuss how we can turn your connections into a cool auction lot!
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
For the complete 2024-2025 school year calendar, please click here.
*Please note that Parent Teacher Conference Day on 3/6 is a non-attendance days for students. This is not reflected in the DOE calendar but was a school based decision.
For the complete 2025-2026 school year calendar, please click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 10 - Kindergarten Application Process Opens
December 14 - Holiday Craft Fair 12-3
December 19 - PTA General Meeting 6:30 pm
December 20 - NDI Fourth Grade Residency Final Performance (invitation sent separately)
December 20 - Middle School Application Process Closes
January 7 - School Wide Lice Check
January 7 - PS 107 Day
January 25 - Heritage Day
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
December 23 to January 1 - Winter Recess - School Closed