The Wednesday Weekly
May 20, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
I have some overdue thank-yous to share, and I don't want to let another week go by without them.
Thank you to Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week leads Elaine Mui, Gemma Niblett, and Lindy Almony — our staff felt so genuinely celebrated, and that is entirely because of your care and creativity.
Thank you to Betsy Goldfarb, Laurie Tamis, and Alyse Dosik for leading Grandparents and Special Friends Day and bringing back a tradition that so many families treasure.
And thank you to Sarah Baratti and Jiaomin Ni for organizing Art Day. I was sorry to miss it, but I heard it was a truly spectacular day for our students.
We have some serious parent volunteer power at PS 107, and it shows in everything we do together. That's our Community core value in action!
An Update on Class Size Reduction
Yesterday I attended a District 15 Principals Meeting that included a session with NYC Public Schools First Deputy Chancellor Danielle Guinta, who reports directly to the Chancellor. The assembled principals had many questions for FDC Guinta about funds for class size reduction. FDC Guinta shared that funding for class size reduction has still not been finalized for individual schools. New York State is still finalizing its budget, which means New York City's budget remains open, which in turn means school-level funding and class size commitments are also unresolved. This places PS 107, along with many schools across the city, in a difficult position: we don't yet know whether we need to hire additional staff for 2026–27, or whether we need to make significant changes to how we use our building in order to create new classrooms.
If the city ultimately does not allocate class size reduction funds to PS 107, I want to be transparent about what independent funding — through PTA fundraising, for example — would actually require. Reducing class sizes in the two affected grades would mean funding three teachers — two for an additional ICT section in 2nd grade and one general education teacher in 3rd grade. At $122,000 per teacher (I'm happy to explain how that figure is calculated to anyone who's curious), the total needed would be $366,000. That far exceeds what our Annual Fund has historically raised in a single year — and the Annual Fund already supports many programs that our students depend on. So while we are actively exploring every option, I want to be honest with you: there are real limits to what the PTA can do independently on this front.
I will, of course, continue to keep you updated here as soon as I have more to share.
A Note on Teacher-Family Partnership
One of the things that is so beautiful about PS 107 is how much our families are deeply invested in their children's learning. That investment is one of the reasons this school is so special.
In that spirit, I want to share something that has been on my mind. Our teachers have mentioned that they've been receiving more questions lately about instructional decisions — particularly around reading groups, assessments, academic placements, and more. Questions like: why is my child in this reading group and not another? Why wasn't my child selected to complete a particular task, while my friend’s child was? These questions come from exactly the right place — a deep love for your child and a desire to see them thrive.
What I want you to know is that every decision our teachers make is grounded in careful, ongoing assessment and deep professional knowledge. Teachers see children in a different context than we do at home, and they are continuously making thoughtful choices to meet each child exactly where they are and move them forward. The work they prioritize in school may look different from what you observe at the kitchen table. Both views are valuable, and both are real.
I also want to gently name something about capacity. Our teachers have one preparation period per day, and the vast majority are working through lunch and well into the evening. Every email that requires a response is time taken from lesson planning, student feedback, and the hundred other things that make their teaching so strong. I'd encourage families to consider whether a question or concern might wait for a scheduled meeting, or whether it's something that needs to be asked at all. The gift of time and trust is genuinely one of the most meaningful things we can offer the people caring for our children every day.
On a related note: I'd also invite some reflection on how we're using our class and grade WhatsApp groups. These spaces can be wonderful for sharing logistics and staying connected, and at their best, that's exactly what they are. I'd simply ask that we each be thoughtful about what we're contributing to those conversations. When we lead with curiosity rather than comparison, and with trust rather than worry, those spaces become a real extension of the warm community we've built together at PS 107. I know that's the community we all want in our school.
Continuing Our Work: Learning About Skin Color and Our Shared Humanity
A few weeks ago, I introduced a new regular feature in this space — Building an Inclusive Community — and shared a scenario about children who have made hurtful comparisons about another child's skin color. I mentioned then that comments like that can deeply affect a child's sense of belonging, and I recommended, among other titles, the book All the Colors We Are by Katie Kissinger as a resource for families.
I'm glad to share that this work is now happening directly in our classrooms. All classroom teachers are currently reading All the Colors We Are aloud, followed by discussion about how humans develop their skin color and why it is never acceptable to make hurtful comments about another person's appearance. In Art class, Ms. Julie is bringing these lessons to life in a particularly beautiful way: students are learning to mix paint to match their own skin tones, sitting with the nuance and range of skin color right in front of them. In Ms. Julie's own words: "Using paint, students are learning to mix their own skin colors, noticing the similarities and differences, and being invited to think about race, and our common humanity, in a new way."
This is exactly the kind of connected, school-wide learning that turns a single moment of harm into an opportunity for growth, for all of our children. I hope you'll ask your child about it, and that it sparks continued conversation at home.
PTA Meeting Tomorrow: Please Join Us
Our PTA meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, May 22nd at 9 AM on Zoom. In addition to PTA officer and SLT member elections, I'll be presenting on the current state of technology and screen use at PS 107, and sharing the policy we're developing for next year with parent and teacher input. If you're unable to attend, the slides will be shared later with the full community.
Upcoming: Soft Lockdown Drill
Our final safety drill of the year, a Soft Lockdown drill, will take place next week, the week of May 26th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this drill or other emergency procedures at PS 107.
We are in the home stretch of a wonderful year, and I am grateful every day to be part of this community with you. Thank you for the ways you show up: for your children, for our teachers, and for each other. That's what makes PS 107 the beautiful community that it is.
Warmly,
Joanna
PARK PICNICS 2026
Please see the dates below and save the date!
Your child's teacher or class parents will share specifics for the day.
- June 2 - Kindergarten & Pre K Park Picnic
- June 9 - Second Grade Park Picnic
- June 10 - First Grade Park Picnic
- June 11 - Fifth Grade Park Picnic
- June 16 - Third Grade Park Picnic
- June 17 - Fourth Grade Park Picnic
NYC Kids Rise: Save for College Program
All students in Kindergarten through 4th grade are eligible to participate in the NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program, and we are working hard to get as many families as possible to activate their child's account. Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward just for activating it — no personal information required!
To activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account, follow these steps:
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
You can also watch a short video guide if you'd like a walkthrough.
If you are not interested in participating, please opt out through your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA): log in, click the "Postsecondary Planning" tile, then click "NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program" to review the program information and opt out – or print and complete this form and return it to your child’s teacher.
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
- Missed the April PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
- Five Day Week April Edition
D15 FAMILY FUN DAY
We are excited to announce the District 15 Family Fun Day on June 4th, 2026, which will take place at PS 94 The Henry Longfellow School! The event will feature soccer and other fun activities along with a resource share for families. It will be a fun and engaging day for all ages!
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Important Information:
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
To help us plan and ensure a smooth event, we kindly ask you to complete the following survey.
FREE NDI DANCE & MUSIC SUMMER PROGRAM
From Monday, July 27th - Friday, August 7th, children will experience high-energy and engaging dance and music classes taught by a team of NDI Teachers and Musicians, who will take children on a thrilling, creative journey culminating in a performance.
*No previous dance or music experience is necessary.
Classes take place at the NDI Center on 217 W. 147th Street in Harlem from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. There will be a performance for families at 11:15am on Aug 7th.
Parents/guardians and children must attend a mandatory orientation on Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30-6:30 pm at the NDI Center. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Spots are limited and this program can fill up quickly!
MARBLE HEALTH PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS
Friendships, Cliques & Conflict: Helping Kids Navigate their Social World
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 @ 8:00 PM EST
Navigating AI: Supporting Students in a Changing World
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 @ 8:00 PM EST
How to Be Your LGBTQ+ Child's Greatest Ally
TUESDAY, JUNE 9 @ 7:00 PM EST
Managing Screen Time Over the Summer
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 @ 7:00 PM EST
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
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.
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
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.
ACADEMIC & SOCIAL EMOTIONAL 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
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)
Track is back!!! Every Thursday at 7am, from now to the end of the school year (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!
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.
NEW YORK LIBERTY FUNDRAISER GAME
On Sunday, June 14th, come out to Barclays Center and watch the New York Liberty with the 107 community. Tickets purchased help raise funds for the PTA. Get your tickets here.
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.
SPRING FLING
Fling is coming up fast: the big party will be Wednesday, June 3rd from 6:30–9:00pm. If you haven’t already, grab your tickets here! $10 per person (free for children 3 and under), buy in advance to skip the line. To make this night a SUCCESS, we need parent support: We’re asking at least 3 parents from each classroom to select a volunteer slot for the event.
Depending on the task, kids love helping out too! This event only works if the community shows up. To volunteer, please sign up here.
COMMUNITY CLOTHING SWAP @ PS 124
Please join us in the PS 124 School Yard on on Saturday, June 13th from 10-12:30pmfor the Mutual Aid Clothing and Housewares Swap! You are welcome to donate clean, gently used summer clothing, "shop" for items your family needs, or both! There is no obligation to donate in order to take items home. Participate by volunteering with your child (sort and fold clothes for at least 20 minutes to earn a Clothing Drive Merit Pin) or dropping off donations pre-sorted by size and gender. (Please bring only clean, in-season, high-quality items.) We hope to see you there!
**NEW 2026-2027 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 21 - PTA Meeting 9 am ( zoom)
May 28 - Choir Performances Grades 3 to 5 (Information provided by Mr. DiFranco)
June 2 - Kindergarten & Pre K Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 3 - Spring Fling 6:30 pm
June 4 - D15 Family Fun Day
June 8 - Big Yard Games School event
June 9 - Second Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 10 - First Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 11 - Fifth Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 16 - Third Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 17 - Fourth Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
May 25 - Memorial Day (school closed)
May 27 - Eid al Adha (school closed)
June 4 & 5 - Student Non-Attendance Days
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!