The Wednesday Weekly
February 11, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
Thank you for your tremendous engagement in our work to reduce class size for the 2026–27 school year. Your thoughtful questions, ideas, and concerns continue to ground us as we navigate a very complex process.
Class Size Update
I want to share an update regarding St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy (SJTWCA). Unfortunately, this site is no longer an option for 2026–27, or likely ever. Despite early promising conversations with the school’s board facilitated by NYS Assemblymember Robert Carroll, the Archdiocese shared last week that they have other plans for the space and will not make it available for lease.
While this is another frustrating hurdle, I also know that many families expressed discomfort with the idea of being sited alongside a religious institution. Given that, it may not have been the best long-term fit for our community.
To provide additional context, here are two recent articles that explain why class-size reduction is particularly challenging for schools like ours: fully enrolled, high-performing, and space-limited. These articles also touch on the system-wide and unintended equity-related implications of the reduced class size law.
NYC might miss class size targets, education leaders say (Chalkbeat)
Smaller N.Y.C. Classes Will Cost Millions. Can Mamdani Pull It Off? (The New York Times)
The School Leadership Team (SLT) will be meeting today to review parent and staff survey results, discuss the remaining options, and determine where to focus for 2026–27. As always, much depends on whether NYCPS allocates additional funding for new classes created through reconfigured space — and the articles above make clear that funding citywide next year may be very limited.
In the meantime, we do have a walkthrough scheduled with the NYCPS Division of Space Planning to better understand what it would take to convert the 4th floor into smaller classrooms. I will continue to keep you updated as things develop.
Morning Academy Begins February 23rd
After the mid-winter recess, we will launch Morning Academy, PS 107’s intensive support program for students who are currently below grade level. This year, we are prioritizing students who are well-below grade level (receiving many 1s on their report card).
Students will receive targeted instruction in ELA, Math, or both, depending on their needs. The program runs Monday through Friday, 7:34–8:19 am (I realize these are strange timeframes, but they are necessary because of our school’s daily schedule), and teachers will use evidence-based intervention curricula to support growth.
Please note: Morning Academy is by invitation only. Families of invited students will receive an email during the mid-winter recess.
Thank You for Attending Our Wit & Wisdom Workshop
Thank you to all who joined our parent workshop yesterday on the Wit & Wisdom curriculum, led by our instructional coach, Anna Schidlovsky from Teaching Matters. If you missed the workshop and would like to learn more about our core ELA curriculum, Wit + Wisdom (known as Arts + Letters in Kindergarten), please review the meeting recording and the presentation slides.
We are incredibly fortunate to have 36 in-school instructional coaching days with Anna this year, made possible in part through PTA support — and your generosity.
PS 107’s New York State Accountability Designation
We recently received our New York State Accountability status for 2025–26: PS 107 has been designated for Local Support and Improvement (LSI) by the New York State Education Department.
LSI is the best accountability status available and acknowledges that even higher-performing schools benefit from local district support as we continue to meet students’ diverse needs. This designation aligns with federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requirements.
Schoolwide Pajama Day: Friday, February 13
This Friday, we’ll celebrate the last day before mid-winter recess with a cozy schoolwide pajama day. Students are welcome to wear their favorite PJs!
Lunar New Year: Tuesday, February 17th
Over the upcoming break, many in our community will celebrate Lunar New Year. In the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Horse, symbolizing being free-spirited, energetic, and determined — qualities we certainly see in our PS 107 students! Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate!
Ramadan Begins: Tuesday, February 17th at Sundown
Ramadan begins over the break as well. Ramadan is one of the holiest months for Muslims around the world. If your child will be fasting and prefers an alternative location during lunch, please reach out to Parent Coordinator Nadia Benlarbi at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov. Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe!
As always, thank you for being such a thoughtful, generous, and engaged community. Your partnership is truly what makes PS 107 such a joyful and caring place for our children to learn and grow. Have a wonderful break, and we look forward to seeing your child back at school on Monday, February 23rd (which also happens to be the 100th day of school!).
Warmly,
Joanna
VISIT 107 STUDENT NAIMA'S SOLO EXHIBITION AT BROOKLYN GALLERY THE WALL
So proud to share some exciting news from our PS 107 community!
After earning 1st place at the PS 107 Craft Fair Art Contest, 4th grader Naima Kurfirst was invited to present a solo art exhibition in Brooklyn’s gallery, The Wall, 599 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
✨ Opening: Friday, February 13 at 5pm
🖼 Her artwork will be on display for a month
Framed art prints and folded cards with Naima’s art work will be available for sale for the whole month. Naima chose to donate 25% of profits to PS107 PTA. Congratulations and thank you, Naima!
This month’s letter features important information about pre-k and 3-K admissions for fall 2026; the 2026 NYC School Survey, and February events: Climate Action Day and Respect for All Week.
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.
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: ITEMS WILL BE DONATED
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
- 💌 Winter Break Service Project: Spread Love to Minneapolis
- Missed the January PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
FIVE DAY WEEK
DISTRICT 15 ARTS SHOWCASE
📆 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12
⏰ 4:00 to 5:30 PM
📍 Brooklyn High School of the Arts @ 345 Dean St, Brooklyn NY 11217
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 first five stops 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.
Staten Island: From 6:30–8:00 p.m. at New Dorp High School (465 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306) on February 10.
Manhattan: From 6:30–8:00 p.m. at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (260 Pleasant Avenue, New York, NY 10029) on February 24.
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.
MARBLE HEALTH JANUARY & FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Demystifying Therapy: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Support (New!)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ 8:00 PM
Navigating Today's Student Health Challenges: Vaping, Alcohol, & Other Substances
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 @ 7:00 PM
Apoyo a los niños durante el duelo y la transición (en español)
MARTES 24 DE FEBRERO A LAS 18:00
Supporting Students with Stress
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 @ 8:00 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)
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
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
Show some love to PS 107: Thanks to a generous PS 107 family, all annual fund donations made through this Satrurday, February 14th, will be matched 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 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.
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 CHECKS
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 will take place on Tuesday, February 24th. 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
Save the Date: STEM Day is coming up on Saturday, March 14th (Pi Day!) from 12pm to 3pm. This free indoor event will take place at PS107, where local organizations and parent volunteers will be offering STEM activities for the students. If you would like to offer an activity, please email Ligia at limathias@gmail.com.
Winter Break Service Project: Spread Love to Minneapolis
If you’re looking for a meaningful activity over the break, your child can earn their Action Volunteer Pin by writing to kids in Minneapolis. Currently, many families there are navigating a difficult time, with kids staying home and feeling isolated. We are adding letters of encouragement to local food delivery runs to remind them they aren’t alone.
- What to write: Share kind words, drawings, or encouragement.
- Safety first: Sign with first name, age, and state only.
- Important: Include your grade so we can match letters to kids of a similar age!
- Return Date: We can’t wait to see what the kids create! Please remember to bring your letters and drawings to school during drop-off on Wednesday, February 25th so we can get them sent out to Minneapolis.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 9 to 13 - NYCPS Respect For All Week
February 9 to April 1 - School Survey Process Open
February 12
- District 15 Arts Showcase 4-5:30 pm @ Brooklyn High School of the Arts
- PTA General Meeting 7:30 pm (via Zoom)
February 24 - Schoolwide Lice Check
February 27 - Pre-K Application for Fall 2026 closes
March 4 - SAVE THE DATE: Using Games to Build Fact Fluency with Mr. Ed Grades K-2
March 5 - Parent Teacher Conferences - early dismissal at 11:30 am
March 11 - SAVE THE DATE: Using Games to Build Fact Fluency with Mr. Ed Grades 3- 5
March 14 - STEM Day 12 - 3 pm
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
February 14-22 - Mid Winter Recess (School Closed)
March 5 - Parent Teacher Conferences (half-day dismissal at 11:30)
March 20 - Eid al Fitr (School Closed)
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