The Wednesday Weekly
November 26, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am for the wonderful community we are building together at PS 107.
Building a strong school community takes time and intentionality — and it’s never truly “finished.” It’s ongoing work that requires care, listening, and shared purpose. Together, we are shaping a community where everyone feels welcome and that they belong; where academic excellence and student well-being go hand in hand; and where our children are learning to be independent, caring, thoughtful, kind, curious, resilient, and grateful for what they have and for one another.
This kind of community doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t happen because of one person. It’s the result of so many people contributing their care and their best work every day.
I am so grateful for our incredible team here at PS 107:
For our teaching teams, who collaborate daily to design engaging, meaningful lessons that ensure all students graduate from PS 107 with strong foundational skills and a love of learning as they move on to middle school.
For our educational assistants (paraprofessionals), who provide essential support and care to the students they work with.
For our main office staff, who keep this entire operation running smoothly and with a smile.
For our school aides, who manage large groups of students at lunch and recess with patience, consistency, and warmth.
For our food services team, who make sure our students are well-fed and ready to learn each day — and who do it with kindness and heart.
For our school nurses, who provide comfort, reassurance, and extra TLC when children aren’t feeling their best.
For our custodial team, who keep our 130-year-old building clean, safe, and in tip-top shape, no matter what the day brings.
And last but certainly not least, for you, our families. You are your children’s first teachers, and the foundation you’ve given them shows up in every classroom, every day. Your generosity, involvement, and belief in our shared mission make all the difference. PS 107 simply wouldn’t be what it is without you. I am so grateful.
Speaking of community, one of our PS 107 families could use a little extra support right now. If you are able, please consider purchasing an item from their Amazon wishlist, which includes necessities, as well as some holiday gifts.
All items will be delivered to our school social worker, Ms. Colleen Dondero, who will ensure they reach the family. Thank you for considering this act of kindness as we enter the holiday season.
From my heart to yours, I wish you and your family a joyful, restful Thanksgiving — filled with love, laughter, gratitude, and the deep sense of community that makes PS 107 such a special place.
With appreciation,
Ms. Joanna
NYCPS INFORMATION
NOVEMBER 2025 FAMILY UPDATE
This Family Update provides includes important information about kindergarten admissions for fall 2026, upcoming admissions deadlines, November parent-teacher conferences, the first Climate Action Day of the 2025–26 school year, preparing for remote learning, and the New York City Schools Account.
NYC KIDS RISE : SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM UPDATE
Initial Opt-out Period
From Monday, November 3rd to Wednesday, December 3rd newly eligible families–all kindergarten and newly enrolled first through fourth grade families*--have the opportunity to opt out of receiving a NYC Scholarship Account.
Please see additional program documentation below:
- Save for College Program Intro Document
- Parents/guardians who wish to opt out can do so within their NYC Schools Account (recommended); OR by returning a signed opt-out form (see below)
- Opt-out Notice and Form
If you wish to receive an NYC Scholarship Account for your child, no additional steps are necessary. You will receive information in January about how to activate and view your child’s NYC Scholarship Account.
NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT - NYCSA
The NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is a NYCPS parent account for students that enables parents/guardians to view all of their children’s records - grades, fitnessgrams, attendance, your child’s NYCPS 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 custodial parent who does not have their own NYCSA , please contact Nadia for instructions and your unique account creation code.
To set up your account, you will need a unique account creation code and your child's OSIS # or Student ID.
- A letter with directions and with your unique account creation code will be sent to you.
- The OSIS# or Student ID is an 9 digit number that can be found in Operoo in the Student Profile.
CEC 15
A Town Hall Event with Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Monday, December 1st - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In Person: Brooklyn High School of the Arts Auditorium
Town Hall will also be live streamed. Please register for this event at the following link: https://learndoe.org/cec/
*Don’t miss this excellent opportunity. Issues and concerns will be addressed.
In this talk for parents and educators, sexuality educator Rachel Lotus will discuss all of this and more.
Attendees will leave equipped with actionable steps, practical help with language, and developmentally appropriate resources.
Click here to register!
HAPPY REINDEER RUN!
GET YOUR UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS AND GEAR AND GET READY FOR OUR ANNUAL FESTIVE RUN!
Woohoo – lots of “antlers,” prizes, and medals are in store for everyone On Sunday, December 14th when the PS 107 Track Team will hold their annual Bandit Reindeer Run 5K in Prospect Park!
This 5K is open to PS 107 track team members, parents, friends, family, siblings and other PS 107 students and families. You just need to (Parents, if your child is in 2nd grade or below please plan on having an adult run with your child for safety.) We will run the big loop and finish on Center Drive.
As an extra special holiday treat, the PS 107 Cheer Squad will once again wow us with a pre-race cheer routine as well as ongoing cheering for our runners at the finish line!!
The money raised will go to the Y to give the gift of fitness to those in need in our community.
Sign up for the race through the YMCA Virtual Run 2025 - Park Slope Y - Virtual 5K - Campaign and let us know EVERYONE who is running so we can get enough “antlers.”
Check -in on Center Drive at 1:00 pm
Start at 2 pm from Lake Drive
SHARE THE WARMTH
PS 295 is hosting a coat giveaway for families in the community.
This is open to all caregivers in district 15.
It's first come first serve.
Date/Time: Thursday, December 18th from 4-6 pm.
Location: 330 18th street at the PS 295 School Gym.
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
PS 107 FOOD PANTRY
If your family is experiencing food insecurity, please stop by the food pantry!
It is stocked with shelf stable staples and reusable bags are provided.
Sign in with Agent Sharon and tell her that you are going to the cafeteria.
The pantry is located in the basement, across from the cafeteria. It is in the single student bathroom area, in the line of cabinets.
Food Pantry Hours: 8am to 10:30 am Monday through Friday
DRESSING FOR THE COLDER TEMPERATURES
Please remember to send your children to school with warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves as needed.
Children go outside for recess every day, unless it’s raining heavily or bitterly cold. And please be sure to label all outerwear with your child’s name and class; this helps us return items that inevitably go missing during the day.
LOST & FOUND:
Did you Lose Me? Please check this document to see if there are any missing items that we have found 😄
If you have already claimed an item included here, YAY!
Thank you!
PARENT/CAREGIVER HANDBOOK & DEVICE/SCREEN USE POLICY
If you have questions about school operations, policies, or procedures, be sure to check our Parent Handbook first. Please click this link to view our Device Policy as well : PS 107 Cell Phone, Smart Watch, and Other Device Policy
If you don’t see the answer there, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher if it is classroom-specific or Nadia Benlarbi, Parent Coordinator, if you have more of a school-wide question, at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Gratitude
This month, our students are beginning the Gratitude unit in our PurposeFull People social-emotional learning curriculum. They’ll explore what it means to recognize and express appreciation — for people, experiences, and even small daily moments that bring joy.
Families can find ideas for extending these lessons at home here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
SCHOOL NEWS
- AFTERSCHOOL CLOSING AT 4PM on 11/26
- PS 107 PTA November Meeting Link
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly in the PS 107 Art Room for Math Magic! Every Wednesday, from 7:30am until 8:20am, enjoy puzzles, games, coffee for the adults (bring your own reusable mug if possible), doughnuts, and Pi. All ages and skill levels welcome. Parents must stay with students—no drop-offs. Questions? Contact Elaine Mui at eemooey@gmail.com
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
The PTA raises approximately $500,000 each year to supplement DOE funding. This year, $225,000 of this total is expected to come from annual fund contributions - more than what is raised from any other PTA fundraiser. As of November, we are only at 27% of our annual goal. If you’ve been waiting to make your donation, please wait no further! Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources.
Here’s how:
Make a one-time or monthly donation online via Konstella by clicking here.
Share this public link with non-Konstella users (e.g. extended family and friends).
Make a gift of stock here.
Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program - if so, taking the extra step to secure a corporate match makes a huge difference!
Why support the Annual Fund?
PS 107 relies on PTA support to supplement DOE funding, which consistently falls short of what's needed. This partnership between families and the school makes possible important programs such as Art and Science, as well as supplies, curriculum materials, extra classroom support, and so much more. THANK YOU in advance for your contribution! Please contact PS 107 parent Betsy Goldfarb with any questions about the Annual Fund: betsy@ps107.org.
FOLEY FIRS CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER
Foley Firs will be selling Christmas Trees on 8th Ave and 8th St from Friday, November 28th until Monday December 23rd. Free delivery! Mention PS 107 when buying your tree and Foley Firs will donate $10 to our PTA for each tree sold. You can also order online - be sure to enter PS107 during checkout. Reach out to foleychristmastrees@gmail.com for more details.
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Aid and Action 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:
Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
Bread Packages
Lunch Meat Packages
Eggs
Tortillas
Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
Microwavable meals
Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
Fruit Cups
Fresh Fruit
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and
Plastic cutlery
Paper towels
Lysol/clorox wipes
Ground coffee
Mac and cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Shelf stable milk (32oz)
Water (16.9 oz)
Canned beans
Pasta
Rice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Canned meats (tuna/sardine/chicken)
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Eggs
Butter
Students can now earn the Food Drive Merit Pin by volunteering at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings. Email Julie Mee Schmidt (juliem@ps107.org) if your child would like to volunteer for this service project.
PROSPECT PARK ALLIANCE: JUNIOR VOLUNTEER CORPS
On Saturday, December 6th, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, please join PTA Green Committee and Prospect Park Alliance at the Prospect Park Bandshell for Junior Volunteer Corps. Children aged 14 and under can come with their guardian(s) for a day of service as we spruce up Prospect Park. Volunteers will remove fallen leaves from lawn areas around the park; all necessary tools will be provided. Sign up on Konstella.
POWERHOUSE BOOK FAIR
The week of December 8th, our students will be participating in the Powerhouse Book Fair. We are looking for TWO parent chaperones to accompany each class to Powerhouse Book Store. Parent chaperones assist in bringing children to the store (1111 8th Ave), help them choose their books, manage the line at the register, and briefly tidy up at the end of the shopping trip. If you are available to travel with your child's class to the book fair, please sign up on Konstella. If you have any questions, please contact Tyler Mills (tyler.c.mills@gmail.com).
WINTER CRAFT FAIR
Come peruse our Holiday Market at our Winter Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, December 13th, from 11AM-2PM!
What is the Art & Craft Fair? A Holiday Market meets an Art Contest plus Arts & Crafts activities for the kids. There will be hot cocoa, popcorn, & empanadas to enjoy while you polish off your holiday shopping from local artists & businesses with 25% of sales benefitting our PS 107 PTA. Admission is free and open to the public – bring your friends & family!
Participate in the Kids Art & Photo Contest!
Is your kiddo an artist? Wanna be showcased at the event? Send a photo of the artwork to craft.fair@ps107.org, and we’ll feature it at the Craft Fair as part of our art and photo contest!
Donate Treats to the Bake Sale!
Drop off a treat or baked good for our bake sale to the Big Yard the morning of the event from 10:00-10:30. Sign up on Konstella.
Volunteer at this Festive Event!
This event runs on volunteers! We need parents – you! – to lend a hand, please sign up on Konstella.
Contact Stephanie(stephanieshaw@ps107.org) or Cat (catharina7@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
BROOKLYN NETS GAME FUNDRAISER
The NBA is back! On Saturday, February 7th at 3pm, join us at the Barclays Center to cheer on the Brooklyn Nets while supporting our school at PS 107's annual fundraiser game. Tickets are $55 (lower level) or $30 (upper level), with $10 from every ticket going directly to the PTA.
Purchase tickets here. *Get your tickets by January 7, 2026 to get the best price and to guarantee your seats will be in the PS 107 reserved sections.
** Contact Nadia for scholarship information.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter and save the date for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. On Friday, February 6, from 6-10pm, you can sing live band karaoke with The Occasionalists at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) -- or simply dance, drink and cheer on the talent. This event is open to everyone so if you have friends or family who would love a night out and to support PS 107, please invite them to save the date, too!
DISNEY ON ICE
Save the date: On Sunday, February 1st, at 1pm, join PS 107 families at the Barlcays Center where Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a fast-paced, family-friendly production that follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle’s enchanted chandelier, sing with Elsa, and watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises - all while raising money for the PTA. Featuring spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, this is sure to be an event to remember!
Tickets on sale now through Zeffy.
** Contact Nadia for scholarship information.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SOUNDPROOFING HELP IN THE CAFETERIA
Help Us Explore Cafeteria Soundproofing: We’re looking for a parent/guardian with soundproofing or acoustics expertise to partner with Principal Joanna on exploring options to reduce noise in our cafeteria. If you have experience in acoustics, building materials, or facilities sound solutions—and can offer advice or light consult—please email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org. Thank you!
GRADE LEVEL BOOK CLUBS ARE BACK!
Love books and building community? PS 107 Book Clubs are gearing up for another great year—and we’re looking for a few volunteers to help make it happen! We’re currently seeking a Book Club Director — a simple, low-lift coordination role that helps organize meeting schedules and support grade-level book club leads. A few grades may also have openings for Book Club Leads (or co-leads) to help plan and host their grade’s monthly book club gatherings. If you’re interested in helping out — whether as the Book Club Director or a grade-level lead — we’d love to hear from you! Email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org to learn more or sign up.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 1 -Chancellor Town Hall 6:30 to 7:30
December 5 - Family Morning 8:20 to 9:15
December 8 to 12 - Powerhouse Bookfair
December 9
- Kindergarten Application Process Opens
- The Talk Workshop 6:30 pm @ PS 107 (for parents only)
December 12 - Middle School Application closes
December 13 - * NEW DATE* HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
December 14 - PS 107 REINDEER RUN
WEEKLY EVENTS
Wednesday's Math Magic 7:30am (4th Floor)
Wednesday's CHiPS Food Drive 8:20 (main entrance)
Thursday's Thursday Morning Track Run 7am (meet at the main entrance)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!