The Wednesday Weekly
November 19, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
As we move through November and approach Thanksgiving, all of us at PS 107 are taking time to slow down and focus on gratitude — a simple but powerful practice that helps us notice what’s good in our lives and our community.
Scientists tell us that our brains are wired to notice the negative first — an evolutionary instinct that once helped us survive but now often leads to stress and worry. (You can read more about this negativity bias here. The good news is that we can retrain our brains: research shows that a regular gratitude practice boosts self-confidence, strengthens patience and resilience, and improves our outlook on life — even in difficult times.
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.
During the short Thanksgiving week, PS 107 staff members will also be practicing gratitude together by leaving notes of appreciation for one another and sharing daily morning announcements about what we’re thankful for.
If you don’t yet have a family gratitude routine, this is a perfect time to start one. Here are some helpful ideas for nurturing gratitude in children.
Even a quick moment at dinner or bedtime to share something you’re grateful for can shift your family’s mindset — and it’s a lovely tradition to carry through the holiday season.
PS 107 Screen Use Policy
A reminder of our PS 107 Screen Use Policy, which outlines how we use — and don’t use — technology in school.
As a school, we are committed to using technology thoughtfully and purposefully to support learning while minimizing unnecessary screen time. Our School Leadership Team will continue discussing this topic during our November and December meetings to ensure that we balance the use of digital tools with our mission of fostering joyful, hands-on learning and preparing students for a technology-driven world.
Upcoming Safety Drills
We will conduct our final evacuation drill of the fall term during the week of November 24th. We will also complete one more soft lockdown drill before the holiday break — and then we’ll all get a little break from drills for a while!
To learn more about NYC Public Schools emergency-readiness protocols, please visit here.
As we head into the season of giving thanks, I want to express my deep appreciation for this community — for your generosity, your partnership, and the kindness you model for our students every day.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and gratitude-filled week.
With appreciation,
Ms. Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
FALL INTO GIVING FOOD DRIVE
Right now, many families in our community are struggling with food insecurity. Throughout November, students can bring in nonperishable, unopened pantry and household items to help struggling families - and the three classes with the highest number of donations will win a pizza party for their efforts! The food collected will support three vital community efforts: maintaining our weekly commitment to CHiPS, stocking the shelves for our new 107 food pantry, and providing requested weekend food bags for PS 124 families.
*Students can still earn class credit for the pizza party competition by donating at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings! To ensure accurate tracking for the competition, please prepare and share the following details with the CHiPS crew when dropping off items:
- Student Name
- Classroom Number
- Total Number of Items Donated
If your family can donate, please send in items listed on the flyer pictured on the right.
If your family needs support, please reach out to your child’s teacher, or contact:
Nadia Benlarbi, Parent Coordinator – nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov
Colleen Dondero, School Social Worker – cdondero3@schools.nyc.gov
We are also collecting gift cards to local grocery stores, which will be distributed to families in need. Gift card donations can be dropped off with Nadia in the main office.
PAS'S FREE THANKSGIVING FOOD DISTRIBUTION
PAS's food pantry is offering free Thanksgiving food distribution. They ordered more food than has currently been claimed, and would love to distribute their supplies to as many people as possible.
You can use this link to sign up by November 21:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eQ3W7XSxvuOcRBKNEG865yXAUOgEpB-JW6ssPkSYP8E/edit
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.
FIFTH GRADE UPDATES
Click here for the latest parent newsletter.
FIFTH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
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.
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 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.
Presented by the D15 ELA Instructional Team
Workshop Recording:
Feedback Survey:
Presentation Deck:
Please take a look at this video from the last Family Workshop!
MARBLE HEALTH WORKSHOPS
Still Time to Register:
🚭 Nov 20 @ 8pm – Vaping, Alcohol & Substance Use
🧠 Nov 25 @ 5pm – Developing Emotional Intelligence
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.
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!
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: Responsibility
All classrooms are currently focusing on Responsibility, one of the core values in our new social-emotional learning curriculum, PurposeFull People. Responsibility is among the traits that help our students Be Kind, Be Well, and Be Strong.
Across grade levels, students are learning about taking action, making thoughtful choices, and understanding the impact of their behavior on others.
Families can read the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility, which includes activities and discussion prompts for home.
Previous Focus:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
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.
SCHOOL NEWS
- AFTERSCHOOL CLOSING AT 4PM on 11/26
- Fall Into Giving with Aid & Action Update
- The Five Day Week - Fall Edition
- PS 107 PTA October Meeting Minutes link.
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- AFTERSCHOOL - Tips for Success
CLUBS AND MEETINGS:
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
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Every Thursday at 7am, weather permitting, students in grades K-5 and their 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 where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 30 minute run/trot/jog. No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
DEI COMMITTEE GATHERING(S)
The DEI Committee would like to invite participating parents and guardians who are interested in gathering in community for morning coffee at Zatar (1201 8th Ave, between 12th & 13th Streets) on Friday, November 21, at 9am. This is a great chance to meet fellow committee members and discuss plans for events and initiatives for the school year. If you have any questions, please contact committee co-chairs Samantha Manchester (samantha@ps107.org), and Alma Lacour (alma@ps107.org). Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
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! Double your impact this week: from NOW through Friday, November 21st, an anonymous PS 107 family will match all annual fund donations, dollar for dollar, until we reach $5000. 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 sch 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.
SENSORY TOOLS WISHLIST
In support of PS107’s mission to help all students thrive, please consider purchasing a wish list item to provide extra support for our ICT classrooms. Our goal is to support all our classrooms with the sensory tools our students need, beginning with our ICT classrooms. Tools requested are including but not limited to: flexible seating, noise-cancelling headphones, writing support tools, desk bands. See the wishlists here, on Konstella.
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.
FALL INTO GIVING FOOD DRIVE
Right now, many families in our community are struggling with food insecurity. Throughout November, students can bring in nonperishable, unopened pantry and household items to help struggling families - and the three classes with the highest number of donations will win a pizza party for their efforts! The food collected will support three vital community efforts: maintaining our weekly commitment to CHiPS, stocking the shelves for our new 107 food pantry, and providing requested weekend food bags for PS 124 families.
*Students can still earn class credit for the pizza party competition by donating at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings! To ensure accurate tracking for the competition, please prepare and share the following details with the CHiPS crew when dropping off items:
- Student Name
- Classroom Number
- Total Number of Items Donated
PS 124 CLOTHING SWAP
Please join us for a clothing swap at PS 124 on Saturday, November 22nd from 10:30am-12pm. We are looking for in season clothing that is clean and free from stains, holes, and tears. Please pre-sort donations according to gender and size. Coats and warm clothes are appreciated. There is no volunteer sign up but volunteers are always welcome and appreciated; students can earn their 'Clothing Drive Pin' if they help sort/fold clothes!
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.
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. 25% of sales benefitt our PS 107 PTA. Admission is free and open to the public – bring your friends & family!
Vendor Sign Up! Want to sell your wares at the fair? Sign up as a vendor by completing this form before November 24th. *We request that 25% of all vendor proceeds go to the PS 107 PTA.
Participate in the Kids Art & Photo Contest! Is your kiddo an artist? Send a photo of the artwork to craft.fair@ps107.org by December 5th, and we’ll feature it at the Craft Fair as part of our art and photo contest!
More ways to Contribute Coming Soon... Drop off a treat for our bake sale or serve as a parent volunteer at this festive event. Stay tuned for sign-up information!
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
December 5 - Family Morning 8:20 to 9:15
December 8 to 12 - Powerhouse Bookfair
December 13 - * NEW DATE* HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
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!