The Wednesday Weekly
February 25, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
Welcome back from the Mid-Winter Recess and from our very unexpected snow day! I hope your family found rest, warmth, and some joy in the storm. Despite a number of staff members encountering difficult travel conditions, Tuesday was a smooth and happy return: classrooms were buzzing with joyful learning from the moment our doors opened.
I want to extend enormous thanks to our extraordinary custodial team — Nabil Nasser, Frankie Colonna, and Joe Tapia — who worked through the storm (literally sleeping at school, as custodial teams are required to do during major snow events!) to clear the Big Yard, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Their dedication ensures that our children and community can arrive safely. They are true heroes!
DEP Update: Water Issue Near the Building
You may have noticed a significant Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) presence outside the school recently. We are experiencing a persistent water issue that may be related to long-term water-main work at 8th Avenue and 14th Street.
Here is what we know:
A small, contained stream of water is occasionally entering the building through the boiler room. Our custodial and district Facilities teams are closely monitoring and working to identify the source.
Water is also emerging from the street outside of PS 107 and flowing down 8th Avenue toward 13th Street.
DEP has been highly responsive and continues to investigate.
There is no current impact on safety, the building, or daily instruction, and we will keep the community updated as we learn more.
Class Size Reduction: Survey Results & Next Steps
Please find the results of both our parent and staff Class Size Reduction surveys here. A huge thank you to PS 107 parent Jeanne Schwartz, who generously used her professional expertise to help us distill a large amount of data into a clear, accessible report.
A few high-level takeaways:
Among parents, there is no clear consensus between pursuing a second site or repurposing space within the existing PS 107 building. (And as a reminder, St. Joseph the Worker was the only second-site option on the table when the survey was shared, which may have influenced responses.)
Among staff, there is a stronger preference for a second site, given significant concerns about how repurposing space could impact our specialty programs (Art, Music, Science, STEM).
Based on these results — along with extensive conversations with families and staff — our focus for the 2026–27 school year will be a phased repurposing of existing space within PS 107 to reduce class sizes in our most impacted grades. This plan depends entirely on whether NYCPS approves our request for the necessary funding to open additional classrooms. We are still awaiting word, and the SLT will update the community as soon as we hear more, including which grades will be prioritized for 2026–27.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns to me at jcohen72@schools.nyc.gov or to all SLT Parent Representatives at sltparents@ps107.org.
One Book One School Community for March
As part of our One Book, One School Community project and our Black History Month celebrations, every class is reading and discussing Amanda Gorman by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara from the Little People, Big Dreams series.
Families are also encouraged to read the book together and continue the conversation at home. If you aren’t able to get a copy of the book, you can watch a read aloud of it here. You can view the teacher discussion and activity guide here.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful week ahead at PS 107, filled with warming temperatures and less snow! (I’m hoping that my words manifest that outcome. 🙂)
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
NYCPS MARCH FAMILY UPDATE
This month’s letter features important information about Summer Rising, high school offers for fall 2026, Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs), Civics Week, and the NYC School Survey.
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.
A Friendly Reminder About Dogs on or near School Grounds
Please be mindful of your dog’s behavior during crowded times, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.Whenever possible, it’s best to leave dogs at home during these busy windows. If you do need to bring your dog, please keep them close to you and under control at all times.
Please also remember: DO NOT tie dogs to the school fence or to signs outside of the school and leave them unattended. This is a safety issue, and we appreciate your cooperation.
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
- Annual 5K Shamrock Run and Cheer Rally
- February 2026 Edition of The 5 Day Week
- Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP: MAKE MATH FUN at HOME
Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop for parents of Kindergarten-2nd grade students! Discover how math games can build your child’s confidence and strengthen number fluency in counting, addition, and subtraction.
📅 Wednesday March 4th
⏰ 8:45 am
📍 PS 107 Cafeteria
*Click here to RSVP :)
PARK SLOPE AFTERSCHOOL CENTER AT PS 107
Join us for the annual 5K Shamrock Run and Cheer Rally in Prospect Park on Saturday, March 7th.
- Check-in starts at 1:30pm
- Race begins at 2pm
- Cheer Rally will take place at 1:45pm
CONVERSATIONS WITH CHANCELLOR KAMAR H SAMUELS
Our Schools. Our Future: Conversations with the Chancellor is a citywide series of 10 in-person community conversations across all five boroughs. Grounded in the Chancellor’s vision for NYCPS, this engagement series brings together students, families, educators, staff, and community partners for honest dialogue about where our schools are today and where we must go next. Conversations will focus on key priorities including school safety, academic rigor, true integration, and family and community empowerment.
Please note the dates and times for the remaining 3 out of the first 5 events below. For future events in all boroughs, refer to the Our Schools. Our Future: Conversations with the Chancellor webpage. The series includes evening and weekend sessions designed to maximize access for families, staff, and community partners.
Brooklyn: From 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School (400 Granville Payne Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207) on February 28.
Queens: From 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Channel View School for Research (100-00 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park, NY 11694) on March 7.
Bronx: From 6:30–8:00 p.m. at Bronxwood Prep Academy (921 East 228th Street, Bronx, NY 10466) on March 10.
- 📅Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- ⏰6:30 PM-9:00 PM
- 📍 M.S. 51 William Alexander, 350 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Zoom: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z_yByLn4TsG0dAut5QinfA
MARBLE HEALTH FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Supporting Students with Stress
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 @ 8:00 PM
Finding Calm in Chaos: Helping Students Navigate Political Anxiety
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 @ 8:00 PM
Cómo afrontar los retos de salud estudiantil actuales: vapeo, alcohol y otras sustancias (en español)
MARTES 10 DE MARZO A LAS 19:00
Navigating AI: Supporting Students in a Changing World (New!)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 @ 8:00 PM
Managing Screen Time
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Students Through Grief and Transition
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 @ 7:00 PM
POGEK MONTHLY MEET UP
POGEK is a community of parents, family members, and loved ones of trans youth. We meet monthly in person to connect, support each other, and organize together -- as we promote respect and inclusion in our schools and larger community.
📅March 4th
⏰8:30 to 9:30 am
📍Variety Coffee (corner of 7th Ave & 8th St)
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
PurposeFull People: Empathy
One way to think about empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that helps build strong relationships and a caring community. Empathy is one of the three core traits that supports students in being kind, and across grade levels, students will be developing skills such as:
Perspective-taking
Conflict resolution
Leadership
Families can learn more and continue these conversations at home by reviewing the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
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
GREEN COMMITTEE PARK CLEAN-UP
Join the PS 107 Trash Troop! Students and grownups meet on the first Sunday of each month between 9:00 and 11:00 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. *Grown-ups, please share the above safety info with your kids beforehand.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
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.
READ-A-THON
Dust off your favorite books and find your most comfortable pajamas! The PS 107 Read-A-Thon officially kicks off this Friday, February 27th with a Pajama Day and "Drop Everything and Read" challenge.
During the Read-A-Thon, students are encouraged to read as much as they can and ask friends and family to support them by making a donation to our school. Each class will work together to achieve a collective reading goal. If a class reaches its goal, every student, teacher, and hamster will win a free ice cream from Goodiez!
This year, the event is a few days shorter and the goals are a little more ambitious, so students will need to work extra hard to help their class earn their prize. If your child/children would like to participate, fill out this form to get started: https://www.forourschool.org/start?code=982712
ROM-COM TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JULIA STILES
On Thursday, March 12th, at 7pm, join the PS 107 Aid & Action Committee at Rullos (560 5th Ave) for Rom-Com Trivia Night Hosted by Julia Stiles!
Tickets are currently sold out, but please email juliem@ps107.org if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
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.
LICE CHECK RESCHEDULED
The PTA organizes school-wide lice checks as needed throughout the year to help prevent and/or contain the spread of lice around our school. The next of such checks was reschedule for Monday March 2. Please contribute to the cost of school-wide, professional lice checks by submitting a one time payment of $15 per child using the following link: Here's the link to the Zeffy campaign for lice checks.
STEM DAY
Stem Day returns! This fun filled day for the whole family is back on Saturday, March 14th this year from 12:00-3:00pm.
Fan favorites return such as STARLAB Planetarium, Brooklyn Game Lab’s Battle Lab, Into the Future, scratch coding challenges with Code Ninjas and Penguin Coding, DarkSky International, Trail Blazers, KoKo NYC, the New York Aquarium, Audubon New York and hands on experiments led by PS 107 parents.
We are in need of volunteers to make this day possible! Please join us as a greeter, activity helper, set up/clean up crew, pizza sales- a little bit of your time will help the day continue to be a success! Sign up here, on Konstella. Thank you!
AID AND ACTION COMMITTEE
Please join us for the PS 124 SPRING Clothing and Houseware Swap on Saturday, March 7th, from 10:30am-12:30pm. (Details below.)
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 9 to April 1 - School Survey Process Open
February 27 - Pre-K Application for Fall 2026 closes
March 2 - Schoolwide Lice Check
March 3 - Summer Rising Application Opens
March 4 - Make Math Fun at Home with Mr. Ed Grades K-2
March 5 - Parent Teacher Conferences - early dismissal at 11:30 am
March 7 - PSACC Annual Shamrock Run and Cheer Rally
March 11 - Make Math Fun at Home with Mr. Ed Grades 3- 5
March 14 - STEM Day 12 - 3 pm
April 22 - 2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 10 AM-12 PM
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
March 5 - Parent Teacher Conferences (half-day dismissal at 11:30)
March 20 - Eid al Fitr (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!