Lions Ledger
November 24-28, 2025
Dear Seth Low Families,
Last week, we administered the New York State Mathematics Examination. On April 29, we experienced statewide connectivity issues across New York State. As a result, testing was paused on April 30, and all remaining Grade 6 and Grade 7 Day 2 Math exams will take place on Monday, May 4. A heartfelt thank you to Assistant Principal Brock and Danielle Blickhahn for their flexibility, thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and strong leadership, which ensured a smooth and well‑organized testing experience for our students.
PTA Meeting & Artificial Intelligence Guidance
At our PTA meeting on Tuesday, April 28, our school librarian, Angela Hargrove, presented an engaging workshop for families on the Chancellor’s guidance regarding the NYC DOE Artificial Intelligence policy.
At the end of March, families received a letter via TalkingPoints and DOE Messenger from the Chancellor outlining the preliminary guidance on AI use in schools:
👉 https://pwsblobprd.schools.nyc/prd-pws/docs/default-source/default-document-library/family-letters/cks-family-letter---ai-guidance.pdf?sfvrsn=19d225a9_2
All families and DOE staff are invited to:
- Participate in the asynchronous AI webinar
- Complete the Stakeholder Survey by May 8
Teachers also engaged in this learning during designated professional learning time on Monday, April 27. All stakeholders may also complete the Public Feedback Survey:
👉 https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8751093/Guidance-on-Artificial-Intelligence
Parent‑and‑Me Book Club
The Parent‑and‑Me Book Club will meet every Tuesday from 4:00–5:00 PM. This initiative is designed to strengthen family engagement, foster a love of reading, and create meaningful shared experiences between parents/guardians and students.
✅ Hybrid option available
✅ Dinner provided for in‑person participants
If you are interested, there is still time to participate! Please complete the survey below or email:
- Angela Hargrove: AHargrove3@schools.nyc.gov
- Assistant Principal Incorvaia: JIncorvaia2@schools.nyc.gov
Please include:
- Your name and your child’s name
- Preferred language for the book
- Whether you will join virtually or in person
- Whether you would like an audio version
👉 Parent‑and‑Me Book Club Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm91RX9wMLzRlAVa0XLmiLIZu96mV6w1664VD_uuyfsBpm6Q/viewform
We look forward to learning, reading, and growing together as a community!
Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. – Broadway Junior Production
We are proud to announce that our students will take the stage in Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. on:
📅 Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 PM
📅 Friday, May 8 at 6:00 PM
This joyful and inspiring performance highlights the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of our students. Dare to Dream celebrates courage, imagination, and believing in yourself—values that reflect the spirit of our I.S. 96 community.
🎭 This is a FREE family event
👨👩👧👦 Students must attend with an adult
PRIDE Points Incentive
- Students will earn 5 PRIDE points for each family member they bring
- Each attendee will receive one ticket at the door
- On Monday, May 11, students may submit tickets to their grade‑level dean to redeem points
- Students should write their name and class on the back of each ticket
👉 RSVP Link for Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.:
Here
We look forward to celebrating our students and the magic of the performing arts with you!
Looking Ahead
- Monday, May 4 – NYS Math State Test (Grades 6 & 7, Day 2)
- Wednesday, May 6 – Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. at 6:00 PM
- Friday, May 8 – Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. at 6:00 PM
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Seth Low a place where every student thrives.
Cheers to creating limitless opportunities for our students and families!
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. Middle school is a time of growth, discovery, and new opportunities. At Seth Low, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential, and I am here to assist you every step of the way. As part of our support, I can help you set up important accounts such as: Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’m here to help! 📧 Email: Bmoralessalas@schools.nyc.gov Welcome again to the Seth Low family—I look forward to working with you! Warm regards, Brenda Morales Parent Coordinator, IS 096 Seth Low
📞 Office Phone: 718-236-1344
📱 Cell Phone: 929-549-3260
The Project Open Arms team is excited to share the calendars for our three upcoming presentations: Know Your Rights, Know Their Rights, Supporting Immigrant Students, and Families 3.0.
Know Your Rights Presentations
Students & families, please join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.
Use this calendar to see dates, times, & session links to join!
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
- NYS Math State Test (Grades 6 & 7, Day 2)
Tuesday
- Adult Learning 5:40-9:00
Wednesday
- Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. at 6:00 PM
- Adult Learning 5:40-9:00
Thursday
- Adult Learning 5:40-9:00
Friday
- Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. at 6:00 PM
Saturday
- Adult Learning 9:00-12:00
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Winners for March are classes are 610, 714, and 815. Winning classes will receive a pizza party in their math classes.
Students, This is the last week to get points for April's competition. Log on at home to increase your grade-level skills and your chance of winning. Good luck!
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
6th grade- monumental, surplus, architecture, infrastructure, hierarchy
7th grade- wiretapping, patriot, eliminate, suspicious, source
8th grade-controversy, justify, perspective, bias, debate
Dues
Calendar
Prom
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.
Next week:
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 @ 8:00 PM EST
Demystifying Therapy: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Support
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
Bookmaking Competition
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
Congratulations to the Girls Varsity tam on their win and on making it to the playoffs.
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.
Theater
In our general classes, we have just wrapped our first unit on ensemble—learning to work together and build a community of trust in order to create bold stories.
Theater Elective students just completed their very first on-camera “screen tests” and are now diving into rehearsals for our upcoming student film, Finding Alice, a filmed adaptation of Alice in Wonderland created by 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Theater Elective students.
We're so proud of the creativity and confidence our students are already showing, and we can’t wait to share their work with you!
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.
