The Wednesday Weekly
October 15, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
We have several important updates to share with you this week, including details about upcoming safety drills, an exciting schoolwide literacy initiative, and a closer look at the academic screeners your children completed this fall.
Safety Drill Update
We will be conducting an Evacuation (Fire) Drill during the week of October 20th. In addition, we will conduct our first Soft Lockdown Drill during the week of October 27th. Note that we are required to conduct six Evacuation Drills and two Soft Lockdown Drills by the December break.
We know that soft lockdown drills can sometimes cause concern among parents, so I want to assure you that we conduct them as gently as possible. The language teachers use with children is:
“The purpose of a soft lockdown is to keep children safe in the event that someone gets into the building who shouldn’t be there. It gives time for Agent Sharon and the Building Response Team to make sure all students and teachers stay safe.” Teachers also remind students that this is a drill, just like a fire drill. Fires in schools almost never happen — and this kind of danger almost never happens either. But we practice so that we can be safe.
Our goal is always to prepare students calmly and confidently — without causing unnecessary worry.
One Book, One School Community: Alma and How She Got Her Name
We are thrilled to announce the PS 107 staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team’s “One Book, One School Community” Project! Each month, our entire school community will read and discuss the same book connected to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
For October, in honor of Latin/Hispanic Heritage Month, every class is reading and discussing Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal.
For more information about the book and the discussion questions your child’s class may be talking about, you can view the letter shared with our teachers here.
We hope you’ll read the book together as a family and continue the conversation at home!
Academic Screeners: What They Are and How We Use Them
This fall, all PS 107 students are participating in academic screeners that help us better understand their learning progress and guide instruction. These assessments are not high-stakes tests — instead, they provide valuable snapshots of what students know, how they’re growing, and where they may need additional support. These assessments are also mandated citywide, and all New York City Public Schools students take them three times a year.
Acadience Reading & Math (Grades K–2)
Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade take the Acadience assessments three times a year — fall, winter, and spring. These are short, one-on-one screeners that measure the foundational skills children need to become strong readers and mathematicians.
What Acadience Measures:
Reading: Letter naming, phonemic awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds), phonics and decoding, oral reading fluency, and comprehension.
Math: Early number sense, operations, and basic computation skills.
How to Interpret Results:
At or Above Benchmark: On track for grade-level expectations.
Below Benchmark (Strategic): May need some targeted support.
Well Below Benchmark (Intensive): Likely needs more intensive, frequent support to build foundational skills.
Because Acadience is brief and highly focused, it acts as an early warning system — helping teachers identify skill gaps early and provide targeted instruction to close them.
MAP Growth (Grades 3–5)
Students in grades 3 through 5 take the MAP Growth assessment, also administered three times per year. MAP is a computer-based assessment that is adaptive — the questions become easier or harder based on how your child responds — giving us a more precise picture of their instructional level and academic growth.
What MAP Measures:
Reading: Vocabulary, comprehension, literary analysis, and understanding of informational text.
Math: Number and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, and data.
How to Interpret Results:
RIT Score: A scale score that shows your child’s instructional level and growth over time.
Percentile Rank: How your child’s score compares to students nationwide.
Growth Projection: The amount of growth typical for students with similar starting points.
It’s important to view MAP scores as one piece of the puzzle. A single score is less important than the overall growth pattern and the instructional insights it provides.
How Do We Use This Data?
Teachers use both Acadience and MAP Growth results to:
Identify each child’s strengths and areas for growth
Group students for small-group instruction and targeted support
Monitor progress and adjust teaching throughout the year
These assessments help us tailor instruction so every child can grow from where they are and reach their full potential.
We will be sending home parent reports with your child’s results from Acadience (K–2) or MAP Growth (3–5) at the end of October. These reports will include specific information about your child’s performance and growth, along with explanations to help you interpret the data.
You’ll also have an opportunity to discuss your child’s results in detail at Parent-Teacher Conferences in early November. Teachers will use these results — alongside classroom work and observations — to talk with you about your child’s progress and next steps.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and trust. Whether we are practicing safety drills, exploring powerful stories together as a school community, or analyzing assessment data to tailor instruction, our goal remains the same: to ensure that every child at PS 107 is known, challenged, supported, and celebrated as a learner.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful week ahead.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
2025-2026 ANNUAL FORMS
If you haven't done so already, please be sure to complete these forms ASAP. Thank you
Emergency Blue Card (for grades 1-5)
Daily Dismissal form
Prospect Park and Neighborhood Walking Trip permission slip
Park Slope Armory YMCA consent form (for grades 1-5)
FIFTH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Please click here to view the Middle School Information session presentation. The recording was sent via Operoo today. Click here to view the D15 list we have compiled in collaboration with fellow PC's in the district. Please keep your eye on Operoo for the most up-to-date information.
I am in the process of adding tour/open house links to the spreadsheet, but feel free to download a copy and add them on your own as you see fit.
In November (date tbd), there will be a parent panel where former parents come and share information about their experiences with the D15 middle schools. This is a tradition of "giving back" that provides so much valuable information. We are immensely grateful to have their generous contributions 💙💛
Please see the information below regarding the Middle School admissions timeline.
Fall 2026 Middle School Admissions Timeline
Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Middle School Application Opens
Monday, November 3, 2025: Deadline to register to test for Mark Twain I.S. 239 (21K239) and District 21 Talent Tests
Friday, December 12, 2025: Middle School Application Closes
Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Middle School Offer Release
These dates are subject to change. Any changes will be announced and communicated directly to families. You can sign up for enrollment updates here and please be sure to check the NYCPS website as well for enrollment information.
Virtual Family Admissions Events:
The NYCPS office of enrollment will host virtual events for families to learn about middle school admissions.
- October 21, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Interpretation in: Bangla, Korean, Spanish, Albanian
- October 22, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Interpretation in: Chinese (Mandarin), Haitian Creole, Urdu, Ukrainian
- October 23, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Interpretation in: Arabic, French, Russian, Uzbek
Please check the District 15 website here for NYCPS D15 middle school information.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah or Nadia!
DO YOU KNOW AN EXCELLENT TEACHER?
The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching is an annual prize to celebrate outstanding NYC teachers who have shown remarkable dedication to their students and have had a significant impact on their lives and learning.
It is also intended to honor those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership within their school communities. Each year, up to ten teachers will receive a $20,000 unrestricted cash prize.
We welcome nominations for any current, full-time classroom teacher, of any subject or age/grade level, working in a New York City public school (district, charter, or early childhood center).
SAVE FOR COLLEGE - NYC Kids RISE
The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program provides families, schools, and communities
with a way to work together to save for and invest in their children’s futures.
It is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible for public school students. NYC Kids RISE, a non-profit organization, manages the Save for College Program in partnership with NYC Public Schools and the City of New York.
As of school year 2025-2026, students in kindergarten through fourth grade at NYC public schools
(including participating charter schools) are eligible to participate in the Program, no matter what their family income or immigration status is.
Please click below to view additional information regarding this very important initiative in your preferred language. Thank you!
PLEASE JOIN KONSTELLA!
Schoolwide parent to parent communication at PS 107 -- including all communication directly from the PTA -- is sent out via the Konstella platform. This is also where the school calendar "lives". We spend time with our PTA communications team every summer and throughout the year updating this calendar for your reference.
If you are not already signed up for Konstella, please follow the directions here. If you have difficulty or have any questions, please reach out to Nadia Benlarbi, PS 107’s Parent Coordinator at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
*Note that parents cannot connect with PS 107 school staff on the Konstella platform, but you will receive communication from your class parents on this platform!
FOLLOW UP FROM THE SOCIAL MEDIA PARENT TALK
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s amazing session with Max Stossel! It was a thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about how technology impacts our kids and families, and we’re so grateful to all who came out and took part. If you couldn’t make it—or just want to dive deeper—click the link below for a recording of the parent presentation, helpful follow-up resources, and information on upcoming sessions.
NYCPS INFORMATION
Please click here to view this update from New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) that includes important dates on the 2025–26 school year calendar, upcoming admissions information, parent-teacher conferences, preparing for remote learning, vaccination requirements, and the new electronic device policy.
*When you click the link you can view the message in your preferred language.
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.
At least one parent/guardian will need to have access to this account. 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
- The OSIS# or Student ID is an 9 digit number that can be found in Operoo in the Student Profile.
FAMILY INCOME FORMS
All families should complete the Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for their programs , whether or not they qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Completing this form each year ensures that the most accurate information is reflected. For our fifth grade families, family income plays a role in the offering of seats during the middle school process. It is truly in the best interest of our school community to complete these forms.
Please click the link above to access the form.
If you choose to opt out of completing the form and do not wish to provide your household information, please be sure to check the box as indicated in the displayed picture.
Thank you for your assistance! Nadia
DISTRICT 15 FAMILY FOCUS GROUP WITH SUPERINTENDENT ALVAREZ
Why Join?
- Recognize and build on what’s working in our schools
- Discuss key issues affecting families
- Work together on solutions to support all students and families
DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
REGISTER IN ADVANCE:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/kIEkdu7KS5OQmgZ3Fh73OA#/registration
MARBLE HEALTH PARENT WORKSHOPS
Managing Screen Time (click to register)
When: THURSDAY OCTOBER 23 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Children Through Grief and Transition (click to register)
When: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 @ 8:00 PM
Register at https://www.marblehealth.com/parent-workshops 💙
JOIN US FOR THE PS 107 HALLOWEEN 4K LOOP HUSTLE!
When: Sunday, October 26
Where: Prospect Park - corner of west Drive & Center Drive (look for the 107 Track Tent)
Time: Check in begins at 1:30pm / Race begins at 2:00pm
Please sign up HERE!
*Scholarships available, please email leslie.a.mccleary@gmail.com
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Please use this link to sign up to help on race day!
ALL ARE WELCOME! Run, walk, skip, stroll with your pup, (sorry, no bikes)
Costumes are encouraged!
TREATS & PRIZES! Earn your PS 107 Track Jacket if this is your first race with the team!
Enjoy cider and a donut at the end of the loop!
Prizes for the top finisher in each age group!
QUESTIONS?
Contact Coach Leslie (leslie.a.mccleary@gmail.com) or Ms Katie (kcoombe@ps107.org)
THANK YOU!
PS 107 Track Coaches, Ms Katie and Coach Leslie, are running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF). 100% of the event proceeds go directly to CTF to support life changing and life saving research for those living with NF1 and NF2 tumor disorders. We thank you for your support in our effort to #ENDNF! To learn more, please visit www.ctf.org.
CEC 15
CEC 15 Calendar Meeting
When: Tuesday, Oct 28th
Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Where: 4222 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA
This meeting will be held in person with a livestream option via zoom, please register now using the following link: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/q2E43ev8QoqZp0rPhJbYvg
FOSTERING DIGITAL WELL BEING
On Wednesday, October 29th at 8:45am, join Tali Horowitz in the PS 107 Cafeteria to discuss topics such as managing online stress; engaging in healthy digital behaviors; developing practices that support mental, physical, and social well being; and using technology in ways that promote personal growth.
Click here to view the flyer and register.
HELPFUL TIPS
ABSENCES
Please email your child's teacher and cc the parent coordinator, Nadia Benlarbi, to notify them of any absences. Please be sure to include your child's full name and class in the subject line of the absence notification. This is to ensure that our staff who is responsible for attendance keeping can locate the children easily to record it appropriately.
LATE ARRIVAL
Children who arrive late must be escorted into the building by their parent. We have a late arrival sign in sheet on the table located just inside of the main entrance. Parents will sign their child in and then bring them to the main office so the staff can send them up to their classroom. If there is a staff person located by the main entrance table, they can advise the student on next steps at that time.
SCHOOL DAY DISMISSAL/PICK-UP CHANGES
If there is a change to your child’s school day dismissal, please be sure to note the change on the Daily Dismissal form in Operoo.
If it is a same day change, please email your child’s teacher and cc Nadia at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov in addition to making any changes on the Daily Dismissal form.
You can also contact the main office at 718-499-2054.
AFTERSCHOOL DISMISSAL/PICK-UP CHANGES
Please be sure to notify Pamela Rosenberg of any dismissal or pick-up changes that will happen during afterschool specifically. Her email address is director@psafterschool.org .
If you need to add a new pick up person for your child in afterschool, please make sure to update this on 6Crickets (Click Here).
Afterschool and PS 107 partner in many ways, but not with our information applications. They can't access Operoo and we can't access 6Crickets.
Thank you for your assistance in ensuring your child's safety 😊
LOWER GRADES
Please be sure to send your children to school with a full change of clothes. Accidents can happen easily when they are younger as they often get distracted and don’t check in with their bodies. Please be sure to return your child with a new set the next day if they need to be replaced.
LABEL!
Please parents, remember to label your student’s water bottles, lunch boxes, backpacks, and clothing with their full name (last names are essential!) and if there is space, please include their class number. We want to be able to return all fabulous items to their rightful owner!
IDENTIFICATION
When entering the school building you must present your ID to the safety agent when signing in.
One helpful tip is to take a picture of your id. Often, we will have our phone with us even if we don’t have our id. This way, you always have it handy :)
RESOURCES
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.
LOST & FOUND: First Round of Donations next week
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
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- AFTERSCHOOL - Tips for Success
CLUBS AND MEETINGS:
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly 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)
Every Thursday at 7am, 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!
INDEPENDENT KIDS COMMITTEE MEET-UP
Tonight, from 7pm-8:30pm, come to the first meeting of the Independent Kids Committee! It will take place on the fourth floor of PS 107.
We will provide snacks, committee updates, discussions, and a thematic moderator led-discussion on screens and playdates.
If you are interested in learning how to raise an independent kid, finding support and camaraderie around screen time rules, and picking up a few parenting tricks to help us face a modern world, please come!
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the October PTA General Meeting on Thursday, October 23rd, at 7:30pm. The meeting will take place on Zoom.(click here).
FOSTERING DIGITAL WELL BEING
On Wednesday, October 29th at 8:45am, join Tali Horowitz in the PS 107 Cafeteria to discuss topics such as managing online stress; engaging in healthy digital behaviors; developing practices that support mental, physical, and social well being; and using technology in ways that promote personal growth.
Click here to view the flyer and register.
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.
PIXYIT FUNDRAISER
We’re excited to invite your children to join Passion in Color, a nationwide youth art competition which launched October 3! As part of our partnership with pixyit, your family receives FREE entry with the coupon code on the attached flyer. Kids and teens (ages 5–18) can showcase their creativity, compete for exclusive prizes and join free art workshops announced after sign-up. Don’t miss this chance to inspire your young artist—sign up early and start drawing your passion in colors!
POWERHOUSE BOOK FAIR - PREORDER
You can now pre-order specific books from Powerhouse that you can purchase during the week of the P.S. 107 Powerhouse Book Fair. Pre-ordering ensures that the specific titles you request will be on hand for you during the P.S. 107 Book Fair, December 8-14. To make sure you don't miss out on the Powerhouse Book Fair pre-order, please send your picks in by Saturday, October 18th, using this form. You can request one book! Or 10!
Parents can pick up and purchase books at Powerhouse Books on 8th Ave. during the week of the Book Fair (December 8-14) either after school or on the weekend.
PTA FUN RUN
Join PS 107’s Track Team at this year’s PTA Fun Run on October 25th! (Bib pick-up at 9am, race starts 10am.) The Brooklyn PTA Fun Run is a family-friendly event where Brooklyn PTAs and community members of all ages come together to run/bike/scoot/walk around Prospect Park loop road (approximately 3.3 miles). The goal of the Fun Run is to raise PTA funds for Brooklyn schools with Title I status. This year's run is the same day as our fall festival -- join the run and then stop by the fall festival afterward! Runners from PS107 will gather at a picnic table by the splash pad of LeFrak Center so we can run together. Look for our sign after you pick up your bibs. You can sign up here. Financial assistance is also available. Please reach out to Mary Pratt, mary.pratt@gmail.com, with any questions.
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:
Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
Bread Packages
Lunch Meat Packages
Eggs
Tortillas
Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
Microwavable meals
Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
Fruit Cups
Fresh Fruit
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and
Plastic cutlery
FOLLOW UP FROM THE SOCIAL MEDIA PARENT TALK
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s amazing session with Max Stossel! It was a thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about how technology impacts our kids and families, and we’re so grateful to all who came out and took part. If you couldn’t make it—or just want to dive deeper—click the link below for a recording of the parent presentation, helpful follow-up resources, and information on upcoming sessions.
PARK LITTER CLEAN UP
On Sunday, October 19th at 9:00am, join members of the school community for our first park clean up of the school year! Meet at Prospect Park's 11th St entrance to help collect trash from the park and gather materials for an important Fall Festival project. Bring your own gloves, trash bags, and sense of fun! This is NOT a drop-off activity - kids should be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Email Gemma.
STOOP CRAWL
Stoop Crawl Tickets are currently sold out, but you can join the Waitlist for the Stoop Crawl here! Questions? or want to host Email alyselaw@gmail.com
FALL FESTIVAL
Fall Festival 2025 tickets are on sale now! Sat, Oct 25 from 12-4pm.
We are excited for a great day for our community with activities, games, bouncy houses, food, music, and more!
There are plenty of ways to get involved--sign up here to volunteer, share/donate some much-needed supplies, or enter the pie or chili contest.
Can't wait to see you there!
*Please contact Nadia for scholarship assistance.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL EVENT LEADS
PS 107 is a school like no other thanks in large part to the generous efforts of our school community. We are currently looking for leads/planners for the following school event; please consider donating your time using the link below:
Winter Craft Fair (Saturday, December 6th)
During the Winter Craft Fair, the big yard is transformed into a seasonal holiday marketplace where teachers, students, guardians, and members of the school community come together to buy and sell their home-made wares.
UNLESS AN EVENT LEAD STEPS FORWARD, THE CRAFT FAIR WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE THIS YEAR!
If you are able to help plan this charming, beloved event, please sign up on Konstella.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 22 - D15 Family Focus Group with Superintendent Alvarez 6-7pm (Virtual)
October 23 - PTA General Meeting (Virtual - zoom link )
October 25 - Fall Festival
October 28 - CEC 15 Calendar Meeting 6:30 to 9:30
October 29 - Fostering Digital Well-Being with Tali Horowitz from Common Sense Media @ 8:45 am (cafeteria)
October 31- Park Slope Halloween Parade - details TBD
November 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences - Details to follow (Half Day! Students attend 8:20 to 11:35 am)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
October 20 - Diwali - School Closed
November 4 - Election Day - Student Non-Attendance Day
November 6 - Parent Teacher Conference Day - Half Day! Students attend 8:20 to 11:35 am
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!