The Wednesday Weekly
March 18, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
What a week it has been at PS 107! STEM Day was an absolute joy, and none of it would have been possible without our incredible parent-organizers Ligia Mathias, Katie Shima, Lindsay Robinson, and Jake Robinson, who put on yet another fabulous day. STEM Day always gives me a lot to think about. There is something so powerful about hands-on, student-driven learning — it opens the door to genuinely complex concepts in a way that few other approaches can, and it is deeply engaging for every child in the room. I leave every STEM Day full of inspiration about how we can continue to weave that spirit across all that we do at PS 107.
Our Read-a-Thon has also come to a close, and we owe an enormous thank you to parent-organizers Evan Appleby and Erica Miller, without whom it simply would not have happened. Thank you to all the students who participated and helped raise much-needed funds for our school.
Events like these are a powerful reminder of what makes PS 107 so special: a community of families who show up, roll up their sleeves, and give generously of their time and talent. Community is one of our deepest values here, and you live it beautifully. Thank you.
New York State Testing: Dates and What to Expect
Annual New York State testing for students in grades 3 through 5 is coming up. Here are the dates to know:
NYS English Language Arts (ELA) Test — Grades 3–5
Wednesday, April 15th and Thursday, April 16th
NYS Math Test — Grades 3–5
Thursday, April 30th and Friday, May 1st
NYS Science Test — Grade 5 only
Wednesday, May 13th
All tests are computer-based this year, as required by New York State. This is the first year 3rd graders will test on a computer, the second year for 4th graders, and the third year for 5th graders. Our teachers are actively preparing students for computer-based testing — including practice tests and time to explore the digital tools available for the Math test.
At PS 107, we view these tests as one measure among many. We use aggregate data, particularly our Test Item Analysis report, to understand which ELA and math skills to focus on across the school year. Our teachers do prepare students in the weeks leading up to each test, and they work hard to keep that process low-key and as stress-free as possible for children.
Parents of students in grades 3–5 have the right to refuse NYS testing for their child. If you are considering this, we ask that you first reach out to your child's teacher to talk through the decision together. If you would then like to move forward with opting out, please contact me directly. We are required to maintain a written record of all opt-out decisions at school, and we will of course respect your choice.
You can review the NYS Testing Student Participation Guide here in English, En español, باللغة العربية
Morning Drop-Off: A Reminder After Math Magic and Book Club
A quick but important reminder about morning drop-off procedures after Math Magic and Book Club programs end.
For students in grades 2–5: when Math Magic or Book Club ends each morning, students must go directly to the Big Yard to be picked up by their teachers. They may not go up to their classrooms on their own or with a parent before 8:20 am. We know this has been a recurring issue — teachers have let us know that students sometimes wait outside their classroom doors and resist heading back down to the Big Yard. This makes it harder for teachers to do what they need to do to prepare for the day, so we appreciate your help reinforcing this expectation with your children.
For K–1 students: they may go directly to their classrooms, but only at 8:20 am or later. If it is before 8:20 am, parents should bring them to their outdoor drop-off locations.
Finally, parents should exit through the main entrance once morning programs end, rather than walking through the hallways. Thank you so much for your partnership on this.
Class Size Reduction: An Update
We are still awaiting word from the central office at NYCPS on whether PS 107 will receive funding to hire additional teachers and open additional classrooms in repurposed spaces within our building. In the meantime, there may be a new development worth following: a recent Chalkbeat article reports that New York State is considering extending the timeline by which all schools must be in compliance with the class size law, which appears to be related to the significant costs involved in citywide implementation. You can read more here.
Today, at our monthly SLT meeting, we will be discussing which grades to prioritize for class size reduction should funding come through. As always, we will keep the community updated as we learn more.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead, as well Eid Mubarak to our families who are celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
LATE ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
We have had some issues come up with late arrival for students. We used this as an opportunity to revisit our late arrival procedures 😁
Students Who Arrive Before 8:45
- Parents/Caregivers check in with Ms. Brigid by the main entrance
Students Who Arrive After 8:45
- Parents/Caregivers sign in with Agent Sharon
- Parents/Caregivers bring the student into the main office and leave them with the staff there
- The main office staff will call the classroom and send the child upstairs
2026 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY!
The 2026 NYC School Survey administration window is OPEN! We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year. The paper survey was backpacked home yesterday.
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- When will the survey launch? The survey will launch on Monday, February 9 and continue through Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- How can you take the survey? Families may complete the survey online or on paper. For online surveys, families use a lowercase “f” followed by their child’s OSIS number as their access code.
- Where do you take the survey online? Beginning February 9, a link to the survey will be available at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Families should click “Take the 2026 NYC School Survey” and enter their access code.
DID SOMEBODY SAY PIZZA PARTY?!?
Once again, the PTA has agreed to sponsor a pizza party for the classes that achieve a 95% completion rate for the NYC School Survey :)
Win this party for your child's class and complete the survey!
Thank you to the PTA for their generosity 🫶
NYC KIDS RISE SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM
All students grades K-4 are eligible to participate in the NYC KIDS RISE Save for College program. The next step is to activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account to see the funds already saved for their future college and career dreams – no personal information is required! Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward for activating it.
Activate your child’s account by following the steps below or by watching this short video guide.
- Go to nyckr.org/act-now
- Enter your child’s ZIP code, birthdate, and Student ID or OSIS number, then click Submit
- Enter your name, email, and create a password
- Read and accept the Terms of Use, then click Create User Profile
*If you are not interested in activating this account, please opt out of the program by doing so through your NYC Schools Account.
After logging into NYCSA, you should look at the main screen with all of the tiles.
You can click on the “Postsecondary Planning'' tile, then click on the button on the next page that says “NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program.”
After this you can review Program information and make the choice to opt out.
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. 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.
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!
SCHOOL NEWS
- FIFTH GRADE UPDATES - MARCH EDITION
- Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
PROJECT BASED LEARNING DISTRICT 15 COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us to see how we make learning connected, authentic, and meaningful
for our D15 students!
- 📅 MARCH 25, 2026
- ⏰ 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- 📍MS 51 - 350 5TH AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11215
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
D15 Stronger Together: Family Voices & Partnerships in Special Education
District 15 invites families to join us for an in-person Special Education Workshop and Resource Fair designed to inform, empower, and connect our community.
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM to 10:45 AMLocation: 4222 4 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
The morning will include:
- An informational session led by IncludeNYC on understanding the IEP process and family rights
- A Resource Fair where families can connect directly with District 15 special education leaders
Together, we can ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.
MARBLE HEALTH FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Managing Screen Time
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Students Through Grief and Transition
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 @ 7:00 PM
2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE
We are excited to share that the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) will host its annual Family Conference on April 22 from 10 AM-12 PM at Fordham University. This event is a joyful opportunity to celebrate multilingualism and culture while connecting families to valuable school- and community-based resources.
The conference will include engaging workshops, community resource tables, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities. There will be food, fun, and meaningful opportunities for families to build connections and access information that supports their children’s success.
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
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.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Please see the attached important update from the NYCPS Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Please feel free to reach out to Nadia if you have any concerns or questions.
LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
Our school community has moved into a new and important chapter of our PurposeFull People character education curriculum: the value of Honesty.
For more on our Honesty module, please take a look at the PurposeFull People parent newsletter here, which includes activities that you can do at home as a family to reinforce this value. And feel free to reach out to your child's teacher to learn more about what their specific grade is exploring.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Perseverance
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP: MAKE MATH FUN at HOME
We recently held a Math Workshop presented by Ed Schulz, PS 107 5th grade math teacher and math leader.
March 4 Workshop: Grades K to 2
Here is the presentation for grades K - 2 : Family Math K to 2
This is the video from the presentation: Make Math Fun at Home (K to 2)
March 11 Workshop: Grades 3 to 5
Here is the presentation for grades 3 to 5 : Family Math 3 to 5
This is the video from the presentation: Make Math Fun at Home (3 to 5)
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
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the March PTA General Meeting on Thursday, March 19th at 9am. Meeting will take place on zoom.
2026-27 PTA Executive Board:
We are starting to think about next year’s Executive Board and are gathering interest from parents who may want to get involved. Many of our roles are co-led and in most cases one co-leader will remain in place — meaning volunteers would be stepping into a shared role with support and continuity. Check out the different board positions on the website here: https://www.ps107.org/about-pta. If you’re curious, please reach out via email to adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org; we’d be happy to talk it through!
School Leadership Team:
During the PTA meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 9am, we will hold elections for next year's PTA Board and 2 parent positions on the School Leadership Team, or SLT. SLT is a steering committee comprised of faculty members and parent volunteers. Elected parent reps serve a two-year term, with openings for 2 parents to join the committee each year. SLT meetings are held once a month in the afternoon. The meetings cover the curriculum, school procedures and policies, and any other emergent issues affecting the school. Parent reps serve as an ear to the ground for the community at large -- we maintain an email account (sltparents@ps107.org) where any parent can bring up something they'd like addressed by the committee and we do our best to advocate for their needs. You can learn more about SLT here.
If you'd be interested in running for one of the open positions, please email the PTA Co-Presidents (adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org) with a ~250 word statement about who you are and why you want to join SLT, and optionally a headshot photo to include with your statement. All submissions should be received by Thursday, May 14. We'll compile the statements and give parents some time to read them at the PTA meeting, then hold an anonymous vote by Zoom, with results announced sometime after the meeting.
Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are nearing the end of the year but have not yet reached our goal. Please help us get over the finish line with your donation! 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.
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 the items detailed above.
Please note: 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.
GREEN COMMITEE PARK CLEAN-UP
Students and grownups will meet on Sunday, March 22 between 9:00 and 11:00am to clear litter from Prospect Park. Bring your own gloves and trash bags and join us! Come once, or join every month. Volunteers will meet at 9:00am, but feel free to join later, and stay as long as you can.
Students will earn their Action Volunteer pin (if they don't already have it)
- Signup on Konstella encouraged but not required.
- Grownups - please share the attached safety info with your kids beforehand.
SPRING MOVIE NIGHT
Save the date and get ready to enjoy a movie with PS107 friends and families on Friday, May 1st at 7pm. (Doors open at 6:30pm.)
The PTA organizes 'Movie Nights' twice a year. These are fun nights out for families and raise some money for the PTA. This spring, you and your kiddos can enjoy the big screen, outdoors, in PS 107's Big Yard! Volunteers will be selling pizza, popcorn, candy and drinks. All proceeds go to the PTA. Stay tuned for additional details, and be sure to watch for the ticket drop on Konstella - they are sure to sell out fast!
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 19 - PTA GENERAL MEETING 9 AM (Virtual)
March 25 - Project Based Learning District 15 Community Event
March 26 - D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM (in person)
March 27 - Summer Rising Application Closes
April 15 & 16 - NYS Testing for Grades 3 to 5
April 22 - 2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 10 AM-12 PM
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
March 20 - Eid al Fitr (School Closed)
April 2 to 10 - Spring Recess (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!