Dear PS 107 Families,
It is March, and we are honoring Women’s History Month! PS 107 is staffed by so many powerful women, making change in the lives of others, day in and day out. I am so grateful to all of our teachers, educational assistants, and other staff members who exemplify the statement, Strong women, stronger future. This month, we will have a schoolwide slideshow and read aloud about the fight for equal rights for women, along with questions that will be shared with teachers for discussion. Our staff DEI team is in the midst of deciding on the schoolwide text – we hope to share the title with you in next week’s Wednesday Weekly. In addition, we are conducting regular morning announcements highlighting important women in American history. Our parent DEI Team has also created the spectacular bulletin board you see on the right to honor this month. Finally, please be sure to read our Women’s History Month newsletter, written by parent DEI Team member Paul Ryan. (Thank you, Paul!)
COMMUNITY AND CITYWIDE EDUCATION COUNCIL ELECTIONS
As many of you know, we are in the midst of the Community and Citywide Education Council (CCEC) election season! Every parent of students in the New York City Public Schools is eligible to vote in these elections, and they are very important. In New York City, there are 32 Community Education Councils, one for each community school district (PS 107 is in District 15) and 4 Citywide Education Councils (Citywide Council on High Schools, Citywide Council on English Language Learners, Citywide Council on Special Education, Citywide Council for District 75). They are made up of volunteer parent and community leaders, and they are responsible under state law for supporting their local district schools with the goal of raising student achievement. For more information, click here.
We have two PS 107 parents running for election! Angelica Cesario, mom to Lucy, is running for the District 15 Community Education Council. And Carolyn Vadino, mom to Ava and Celia, is running for the Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE). There is a candidate forum for the District 15 CEC elections tonight at 6 pm (unfortunately it is at the same time as our karaoke night fundraiser at Littlefield!). If you aren’t already going to karaoke and would like to learn more about the candidates, please register for the candidate forum here. If you miss this forum, there will be another opportunity on Monday, March 17 also at 6pm. You can use the link above to register for both sessions.
There are several upcoming candidate forums for the CCSE, and you can get more information on those here. To learn more about all of the candidates for CEC15, you can find a comprehensive list, along with candidate statements here. Hyperlocal bodies such as the Citywide and Community Education Councils will be extremely important in the coming months and years, so please keep an eye on these elections and make sure to vote between April 25th and May 13th using your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA).
CAN YOU HELP OUR THIRD GRADERS?
Our third graders are hard at work on an important project as part of their ELA module called A New Home, in which they are learning that America is a nation of immigrants—and a nation of stories. Students are exploring the challenges and rewards immigrants face. They are learning how traditions blend with new experiences to create a rich, vibrant culture.
To that end, they would love to interview members of our community who are immigrants to the United States or who can share their family’s immigration story. Our students’ guiding question is: "How can we teach our school community about the range of immigrant experiences?"
Please see this message from Teacher Kai, one of our third grade teachers who is coordinating the grade’s work on this project:
If you are an immigrant or have immigrant family members, we need people to interview! We will be creating short documentaries as our final product of this project but being filmed or audio-recorded during an interview is OPTIONAL. You also have the option for the interview to be in-person, over zoom, or over the phone and to have your name and personal details left blank (relatively anonymous). The immigration status of interviewees will not be asked, solicited, or included in this work. They will be asking questions such as:
"What challenges did you face when you immigrated to the US?"
"Were/are there things you enjoy about being a US immigrant?"
"Can you summarize your immigration story or journey for us?"
If you or one of your family members would be willing to be interviewed for this project, please do one of the following options:
Email Teacher Kai at khollandermalys@schools.nyc.gov with your name and interest
Fill out this google form which will only be read by Teacher Kai.
Please help us make this project relevant and accurate to our community by helping us showcase the vast diversity of experiences! Thanks!
As an aside, our third graders are engaging in project-based learning, which is different from “projects.” Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. This is an extension of the work students are doing in their ELA modules, and it both extends and enriches their understanding of the module concepts. I am so excited about the 3rd grade project – it is a pilot of sorts – and I am eager to expand PBL across grades in the coming years. In addition to the third grade work, Science teacher Ms Barnes routinely integrates PBL into her Science units. Both Ms Barnes and Teacher Kai are our PBL “leads,” and we are so grateful to them for bringing this work to our students.
Have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
PS Some of you may have noticed that the asphalt is buckling near the crosswalk on the corner of 14th Street and 8th Avenue. We are aware of the problem and have made the Department of Transportation aware as well. For now, we are asking classes crossing to the Armory to use the opposite crosswalk. We have also placed a traffic cone in the area of concern. Please avoid it when crossing the street with your children!
2025 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY! PIZZA PARTY INCENTIVE!
The 2025 NYC School Survey administration window will close on Friday, April 4. We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year.
This year, the PTA has agreed to once again sponsor a pizza party for the classes that achieve a 95% completion rate!
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- When will the survey launch? The survey will launch on Monday, February 10 and continue through Friday, April 4, 2025.
- How can you take the survey? Families can take the survey online OR by completing a paper survey. Families will use a lower case "f" followed by their child's OSIS number as an access code when taking the survey online.
- Where do you take the survey online? On February 10, everyone will be able to access the survey at nycschoolsurvey.org. You only need to click on the button that says, "Take the NYC School Survey." Then you can enter your access code.
SUMMER RISING 2025
#SummerRising is BACK and open to all NYC students from K-8!
🌟Full day, in-person programs
🤸♂️Fun and enriching activities
🚌Local field trips
🍎Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Families are now able to apply for Summer Rising seats in MySchools until Friday, March 28, 2025.
Learn more: schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising
FRANCOPHONE FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate La Francophonie in Brooklyn at the PS 58 3rd Annual Francophone film festival.
Date: SUNDAY MARCH 23, 2025
Time: 8:30AM-6:30PM
Location: PS 58 The Carroll School Auditorium, 330 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
Entrance to this festival is free, concession tickets will be sold.
This is NOT a drop off event; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
RAISING ANTIRACIST KIDS FREE FAMILY WORKSHOP
PS 10 is hosting a free family workshop on March 27, 6:30 pm in their auditorium auditorium.
They wanted to open the invitation to our school community.
It is a free event with free pizza and drinks served but they asking everyone to register for a head count.
Please see the image for the QR code to register for this event.
LOST & FOUND - Updated 3-11-25
Please be advised that hats and gloves have been moved for donation.
Please check this document for some updated pictures : Did You Lose Me?
*If you see an item you now have in your possession, please just ignore the picture in the document
NYCPS FAMILY UPDATE
This March Family Update provides important information about Summer Rising 2025, the annual NYC School Survey, CEC Elections Candidate Forums, and parent-teacher conferences.
You can view the update with the link below or the by opening the attachment.
CEC 15
Meet the Candidates Community Education Councils Candidate Forum: District 15
Date: March 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
*Please click here to view the candidate choices.
**Please register for this event at the following link: https://learndoe.org/cec/candidateforum
Forum: District 15
Date: March 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
*Please click here to view the candidate choices.
**Please register for this event at the following link: https://learndoe.org/cec/candidateforum
RALLY TO SAVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS - 3/13/25
Please join the Coalition for Equitable Education Funding in advocating to save important education programs!
1. Rally to Save Education Programs (3/13 at 9am): Join the Coalition for Equitable Education Funding for a rally to save important education programs at risk of being cut in the city budget. The rally will take place right before the start of the City Council education budget hearing. A flyer is attached.
- Thursday, March 13th, 9:00-10:00am on the steps of City Hall
- Register at https://forms.office.com/r/Hm800LQtL6
- Programs at risk of significant funding cuts as soon as July include 3-K, preschool special education classes, community schools, restorative justice, arts programs, mental health services, immigrant family outreach, and more
It would be great to have parents, students, educators, and others talk about the impact of losing one or more of the education programs on the chopping block. We have posted guidance online with step-by-step instructions for signing up to testify and testifying.
You can register to testify at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/. If you would like sample testimony or additional support, please reply to this email.
3. Email the Mayor: Email Mayor Adams and urge him to extend funding for important education programs in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget:https://bit.ly/NYCEdBudget26
As state budget discussions continue, you can also email Governor Hochul and state legislators and ask them not to shortchange NYC schools:https://bit.ly/DemandFairFunding .
Thank you for your advocacy!
SCREENING OF "COUNTED OUT"
The District 15 Math Team invites District 15 families and educators to a screening of "Counted Out", followed by a panel discussion with members of our team.
Date: March 14, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:00PM, Panel 7:00-7:30PM
Location: Brooklyn High School for the Arts 345 Dean St, Auditorium
About the Film
“Counted Out” investigates the biggest crises of our time — racism, political polarization, economic inequity, a global pandemic, climate change — through the unexpected lens of math. This striking documentary exposes systemic inequities that weaponize math as a gatekeeper and shines a light on math as the foundation of democracy and economic opportunity that allows everyone to fully participate in this fast-moving society.
THE SCIENCE OF READING WORKSHOPS
Join New York City Public Schools, Office of Family and Community Empowerment for a 7-week virtual workshop designed to help parents and caretakers to understand the science of reading and equip them with the knowledge and tools to support their children’s literacy at home.
Workshop Details:
📅 When: Thursday evening from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, February 13th – March 27th
💻 Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home!
👉 Register here: Click to Sign Up
🎯 What to Expect:
- 45-minute sessions covering key aspects of the science of reading
- Expert guidance from Braintrust Tutors on why reading can be challenging, especially in English
- Practical strategies to boost your child’s confidence in reading using free local resources
- A chance to connect with other parents and learn together
This is a fantastic and limited opportunity to gain new skills, ask questions, and make reading more enjoyable for your child!
To confirm your spot, please register here, find more details in the attached flyer. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Nisaa Jackson, Njackson29@schools.nyc.gov, or Rafael Dobles, Rdobles3@schools.nyc.gov.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES - Hosted by: The Central Crisis Support Team
Explore new themes each month with our engaging weekly presentations. Enhance your skills to support your child's growth and connect with a community of parents and caregivers!
March: Empower Through Play
Time/Zoom information:
- Mon 5PM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vc-Gsrj8sH9OMo9OXbIzisuI5n5fyT3s6
- Tues 7:30pm: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdO6orT4sEtJ0AHga6aG3yRVGFe1Tcl29
- Thurs 11AM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcO2hpzsiGdNkKvZToV-RuTpg-0eBb4xq
*Please see the image or flyer for more information.
BOOK CLUBS
Everyone is a reader – some just haven’t found their favorite book yet! If your child is looking for literary inspiration or loves to talk about a good book with friends, please consider joining us for monthly book club meetings Tuesday mornings. Meetings are underway for Grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5. Please check Konstella for grade level messages with details about meetings. Note: Participating students in all grades must remain with a parent or guardian throughout book club meetings.
Want to be a PS 107 Literacy Legend and lead a book club for grade 2? Sign up using the link here.
MATH MAGIC
On Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20am, join us in the 4th floor art room for games, puzzles, worksheets, coffee, doughnuts, and Pi. (Bring your own reusable mug, if possible.) Sharpen your math skills with friends and mingle with kids and parents from other grades. All ages and proficiencies welcome. Please note: Participating kiddos are asked to remain in the art room until 8:20am and parents or guardians of students in all grades are asked to stay for the duration. We hope to see you there!
PS 107 PARENTS SUPPORTING SPECIAL EDUCATION (PSSE) MEETING
The Parents Supporting Special Education March meeting is Thursday, March 13, 12 - 1pm ET via Zoom
Meeting ID: 972 9035 0410 Dial In: +16469313860.
*Please join us to help with planning for upcoming PSSE projects and events.
AAPI AFFINITY GROUP COFFEE MEET-UP
Please join us for the AAPI Affinity Group Friday morning coffee meetup on Friday, March 21st at 8:30 AM at Pasta Louise (1114 8th Ave at 12th St)!
Looking forward to catching up with parents and guardians of any P.S. 107 children who identify as AAPI.
If you have any questions or would like to reach out, please email group co-lead Neeta Menon at neetamenon1@gmail.com. Thank you!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are 90% to our $210K goal; help get us over the finish line!
Here’s how you can make your contribution:
- Donate via Konstella here,
- Share this link with non-Konstella using friends and family, or
- Leave a check made out to PS 107 PTA with Ms. Nadia in the office.
- We also accept gifts of stock here - stock donations are tax-free!
YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Many thanks to our amazing school community for all of the ways you contribute.
READ-A-THON
The read-a-thon is here!!! NOW through Tuesday, March 18th, students in each class will work together to reach class reading goals -- including the goal of earning free ice cream from Goodiez! If your reader would like to participate, please fill out this form to get started. If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to us at readathon@ps107.org.
Class Reading Goals:
Pre-K: 1,000 minutes
Kindergarten: 2,000 minutes
1st Grade: 4,000 minutes
2nd Grade: 8,000 minutes
3rd Grade: 10,000 minutes
4th Grade: 10,000 minutes
5th Grade: 10,000 minutes
Read-A-Thon BINGO Cards have been sent home in your student's homework folder—please feel free to utilize this fun tool to encourage your child to read books about characters different from themselves! Remember, students who fill out their BINGO card can trade it in for a cool pencil case at the end of the read-a-thon. For help finding children's books that feature characters with diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives, check out the DEI Committee's DEI Booklist spreadsheet. It's a living, growing list that you can use for the Read-A-Thon and beyond!
HOT COCOA BAR (FUNDRAISER FOR PS 124)
Please join the Community Outreach Committee for a heartwarming and delicious fundraiser to support our sister school, PS 124.
On Friday, March 21st, starting at 2:30pm, Community Outreach will be hosting a hot cocoa bar on the sidewalk in front of PS 107. A cup of hot chocolate with all the fixings will be $6, but you will receive $1 off if you bring your own reusable mug!
All proceeds will go to PS 124 to assist with their printing costs for essential signage and informational materials around their school. If you are able to contribute supplies, equipment, or volunteer your time to help make this event a success, please sign up here.
For additional information, please contact juliem@ps107.org. Thank you!
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Community Outreach 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:
o Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
o Bread Packages
o Lunch Meat Packages
o Eggs
o Tortillas
o Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
o Microwavable meals
o Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
o Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
o Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
o Fruit Cups
o Fresh Fruit
o Individually Wrapped Snacks
o Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and
o Plastic cutlery
LIVE BAND KARAOKE
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter, and get ready for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. Join us TONIGHT, Wednesday, March 12th, at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) for live band karaoke with The Occasionalists. Doors open at 6:30pm, festivities begin at 7:30pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is $25 at the door, tickets are also available here. This event is open to everyone; if you have friends or family who would love a night out to support PS 107, please invite them along!
SPRING SPORTS
BROOKLYN FC
Wear your school gear to "Rep Your School Night" and help cheer on the borough's brand new professional women's soccer team as they take on the Tampa Bay Sun on Saturday, March 29th at 6pm. Over 50 tickets to this game have been purchased by PS 107 families and, as a result, 22 kids from PS 107 will be able to accompany the players as they walk out onto the pitch! Anyone who buys tickets by Friday, March 21st will be invited to participate in our lottery to determine which kids can take part.
Each ticket is $20 (endline) or $35 (sideline) plus processing fee, with $5 from each ticket going to the PTA. Get your tickets online now.
If you would like to attend but need financial assistance, please contact Nadia, Parent Coordinator, at NBenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES
Watch the Cyclones play the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Sunday, May 4th at 2pm. If we buy 250 tickets one person from our group can throw out the first pitch and another announce for an inning (to be decided by lottery). Tickets are $20 with $7 from each ticket going to the PTA. Purchase here. Contact Rebecca with questions.
NY LIBERTY
Don't miss NY Liberty's game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, June 1st at 3pm. The first 60 people to buy tickets and sign up will get to watch the players warm up from courtside. Tickets are $50 or $55, with $10 from each ticket going to the PTA. Purchase here. Contact Rebecca with questions.
*Tickets for all games are on sale NOW, see Konstella for additional details.
SPRING AUCTION GALA - TICKETS NOW ON SALE
The jewel in the crown of PS 107's social calendar, the Spring Auction Gala, will be held on Friday, April 4th, 7:00pm - 12:00am at the Prospect Park Picnic House. Tickets are selling fast! Get yours now on the Auction website. Tickets are $150/person including food and open bar. Please consider covering/contributing to the cost of a teacher’s ticket if you can so that we can enjoy this special event with our wonderful teachers. A small number of discounted tickets are available at $100 each for volunteers working checkout (10:00-11:15pm or 11:00pm-12:00am). Please email auction@ps107.org if you're interested.
If you have an item you'd like to donate, a skill, or a connection you would like to share, please complete our donation form or email auction@ps107.org.
And stay tuned for news of the events leading up to the Gala, namely an online auction and the beloved 'Time with Teacher' raffle.
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
Please click here for the complete 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school year calendars.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
February 10 to April 4 - School Surveys Completion Period
February 28 to March 18 - Read -A-Thon
March 4 to March 28 - Summer Rising Enrollment Period
March 12 - Project Based Learning - D15 Community Event 4 to 7pm (info in Parent Coordinator Updates)
March 13 - Rally to Save Education Programs 9am (info in Parent Coordinator Updates)
March 14 - SCREENING of "COUNTED OUT" 5:30 to 7:30 (info in Parent Coordinator Updates)
March 19 - Pre-K and Second Grade Residency Shares (flyer sent separately)
March 27 - Parent Workshop w/Dr. Erica Miller 8:45 am (in person)
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
March 31 - Eid Al-Fitr (School Closed)
April 14 to April 18 - Spring Recess (School Closed)