The Wednesday Weekly
December 3, 2025
Honoring Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness
For the first two weeks of December, PS 107 is honoring Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness. Thanks to our Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) committee, we’re bringing attention to these two forms of neurodiversity through morning announcements, bulletin boards, and classroom activity packets that will go home later this week.
These displays and conversations highlight how every brain learns, processes, and creates in unique ways—and how those differences enrich our classrooms and our world. Awareness helps us celebrate strengths, foster empathy, and reduce stigma.
This work is particularly meaningful to me, as the parent of a college freshman who has struggled with ADHD for years — challenges that have impacted her confidence and well-being, as well as her experience in traditional school settings. Supporting neurodivergent learners has always been close to my heart.
I’m also deeply proud of the progress we’ve made as a school to ensure our instruction reflects that same commitment. Over the past few years, PS 107 has transitioned to a research-aligned literacy curriculum designed to give all students — including those with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences — the explicit, structured support they need to thrive.
This Friday, we’re inviting staff and students to show their support by wearing red for dyslexia awareness or orange for ADHD awareness. Encourage your child to join us!
A heartfelt thank you to PSSE co-leads Julie Fields and Lisa Uribe for organizing this initiative and helping our students, staff, and families deepen our understanding of how all kinds of brains contribute to our vibrant, inclusive school community.
Family Morning — This Friday, December 5th
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you this Friday, December 5th, for our second Family Morning of the year! Parents and caregivers are invited into their children’s classrooms from 8:20–9:10 am to experience a slice of classroom life at PS 107.
A few important reminders:
All adults must enter through the main entrance (not the arrival gates). This procedure helps ensure that everyone entering the building checks in with School Safety for security purposes.
Please limit attendance to one or two adults per child to help reduce crowding.
If possible, leave younger siblings at home so that classroom routines can continue smoothly.
We know this change in entry procedure slows things down a bit, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize safety. We’re so glad you’ll get to see your children’s classrooms in action!
Mark your calendars for upcoming Family Mornings (8:20–9:10 am):
Friday, February 6th
Friday, April 17th
Friday, May 15th (Grandparents Day!)
Upcoming Soft Lockdown Drill
We will conduct our final soft lockdown drill of the fall term during the week of December 8th.
We know that these drills can cause concern, so please know that we conduct them as calmly and gently as possible. Teachers use the following language with students:
“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 just a drill, like a fire drill — and that while the situations we prepare for are extremely rare, we practice to ensure that we’re always ready to stay safe.
You can learn more about NYCPS emergency readiness protocols here.
As we begin this new month, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Every event, every initiative, and every act of kindness adds to the strength of our PS 107 community — one that values learning, inclusion, and care for one another above all else.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful start to December!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
PS 107 FOOD PANTRY
If your family is experiencing food insecurity, please stop by the food pantry!
It is stocked with shelf stable staples and reusable bags are provided.
Sign in with Agent Sharon and tell her that you are going to the cafeteria.
The pantry is located in the basement, across from the cafeteria. It is in the single student bathroom area, in the line of cabinets.
Food Pantry Hours: 8am to 10:30 am Monday through Friday
How New York Families Can Save for College — and How Some Have $100 Already
Click here to view this informative article regarding the NYC Kids Rise Save for College program.
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 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.
In this talk for parents and educators, sexuality educator Rachel Lotus will discuss all of this and more.
Attendees will leave equipped with actionable steps, practical help with language, and developmentally appropriate resources.
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: PS 107 Cafeteria
Click here to register!
THE 29th ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
CAMBA in combination with the Park Slope Women's Shelter invites you to join them for holiday lights, festive music & sweet treats as they celebrate the magic of the season!
Date: Thursday, December 11th
Time: 6pm
Where: Park Slope Women's Shelter at the Park Slope Armory
HAPPY REINDEER RUN!
GET YOUR UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS AND GEAR AND GET READY FOR OUR ANNUAL FESTIVE RUN!
Woohoo – lots of “antlers,” prizes, and medals are in store for everyone On Sunday, December 14th when the PS 107 Track Team will hold their annual Bandit Reindeer Run 5K in Prospect Park!
This 5K is open to PS 107 track team members, parents, friends, family, siblings and other PS 107 students and families. You just need to (Parents, if your child is in 2nd grade or below please plan on having an adult run with your child for safety.) We will run the big loop and finish on Center Drive.
As an extra special holiday treat, the PS 107 Cheer Squad will once again wow us with a pre-race cheer routine as well as ongoing cheering for our runners at the finish line!!
The money raised will go to the Y to give the gift of fitness to those in need in our community.
Sign up for the race through the YMCA Virtual Run 2025 - Park Slope Y - Virtual 5K - Campaign and let us know EVERYONE who is running so we can get enough “antlers.”
Check -in on Center Drive at 1:00 pm
Start at 2 pm from Lake Drive
When: December 16
Time: 6:30 PM
Where
- In-Person: 131 Livingston St Room 301, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Virtual: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/O4QzyG2UQTG3j4VcIsdMxA
SHARE THE WARMTH
PS 295 is hosting a coat giveaway for families in the community.
This is open to all caregivers in district 15.
It's first come first serve.
Date/Time: Thursday, December 17th from 4-6 pm.
Location: 330 18th street at the PS 295 School Gym.
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
DRESSING FOR THE COLDER TEMPERATURES
Please remember to send your children to school with warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves as needed.
Children go outside for recess every day, unless it’s raining heavily or bitterly cold. And please be sure to label all outerwear with your child’s name and class; this helps us return items that inevitably go missing during the day.
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!
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.
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Gratitude
This month, our students are beginning the Gratitude unit in our PurposeFull People social-emotional learning curriculum. They’ll explore what it means to recognize and express appreciation — for people, experiences, and even small daily moments that bring joy.
Families can find ideas for extending these lessons at home here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
SCHOOL NEWS
- PS 107 6th Annual Reindeer Run and Holiday Cheer in Prospect Park
- PS 107 PTA November Meeting Link
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
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!
PSSE MONTHLY MEETING
Please join the Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) Committee for our monthly meeting on Thursday, December 11, from 12:00 PM – 1:00pm. We will discuss tips for supporting ADHD students with a discussion led by local psychology practice Interactive Discovery. Join from Zoom Workplace app - Zoom, all are welcome.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND: DONATIONS DOUBLED !
Since July 1, we’ve secured $81,011 in pledges and contributions toward this year’s Annual Fund. At the end of November 2024, we were at $111,928 — so we have some ground to make up. The good news: NOW through Friday, December 12, three anonymous PS 107 families are teaming up to match every donation dollar-for-dollar, until we reach $20,000! If you’ve been waiting until the end of the year to make your tax-deductible donation, you can double your impact right now! 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.
FOLEY FIRS CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER
Foley Firs will be selling Christmas Trees on 8th Ave and 8th St from now until Monday December 23rd. Free delivery! Mention PS 107 when buying your tree and Foley Firs will donate $10 to our PTA for each tree sold. You can also order online - be sure to enter PS107 during checkout. Reach out to foleychristmastrees@gmail.com for more details.
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:
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
Paper towels
Lysol/clorox wipes
Ground coffee
Mac and cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Shelf stable milk (32oz)
Water (16.9 oz)
Canned beans
Pasta
Rice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Canned meats (tuna/sardine/chicken)
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Eggs
Butter
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.
PROSPECT PARK ALLIANCE: JUNIOR VOLUNTEER CORPS
On Saturday, December 6th, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, please join PTA Green Committee and Prospect Park Alliance at the Prospect Park Bandshell for Junior Volunteer Corps. Children aged 14 and under can come with their guardian(s) for a day of service as we spruce up Prospect Park. Volunteers will remove fallen leaves from lawn areas around the park; all necessary tools will be provided. Sign up on Konstella.
POWERHOUSE BOOK FAIR
The week of December 8th, our students will be participating in the Powerhouse Book Fair. We are looking for TWO parent chaperones to accompany each class to Powerhouse Book Store. Parent chaperones assist in bringing children to the store (1111 8th Ave), help them choose their books, manage the line at the register, and briefly tidy up at the end of the shopping trip. If you are available to travel with your child's class to the book fair, please sign up on Konstella. If you have any questions, please contact Tyler Mills (tyler.c.mills@gmail.com).
If you cannot attend but hope to participate in the book fair, please note that Powerhouse will extend the bookfair offer to PS 107 families from Monday, December 8th through Sunday, December 14th, with 20% of all sales going to the PTA! To participate, please be sure to mention PS 107 at check-out when shopping.
At morning drop off On Wednesday, December 10th, you can donate gently used sensory tools, neurodiverse kids books, and books with dyslexia friendly font/layout at the Sensory Tool and Neurodiversity Book Drive.
STAFF HOLIDAY POTLUCK
It's the most delicious time of the year at PS 107! Let's treat teachers and staff to the Annual Holiday Potluck on Friday, December 19th. This includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon treats. Potlucks are a wonderful PS107 tradition; teachers and staff revel in all of the delicious foods and treats that families bring. There are a multitude of ways for everyone contribute to this event, so please check out the list on Konstella and if you are able, sign-up to bring a dish, help set up, serve, or clean!
BROOKLYN NETS GAME FUNDRAISER
The NBA is back! On Saturday, February 7th at 3pm, join us at the Barclays Center to cheer on the Brooklyn Nets while supporting our school at PS 107's annual fundraiser game. Tickets are $55 (lower level) or $30 (upper level), with $10 from every ticket going directly to the PTA. Purchase tickets here. *Get your tickets by January 7, 2026 to get the best price and to guarantee your seats will be in the PS 107 reserved sections.
*Please contact Nadia for scholarship information :💙💛
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter and save the date for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. On Friday, February 6, from 6-10pm, you can sing live band karaoke with The Occasionalists at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) -- or simply dance, drink and cheer on the talent. This event is open to everyone so if you have friends or family who would love a night out and to support PS 107, please invite them to save the date, too!
DISNEY ON ICE
Save the date: On Sunday, February 1st, at 1pm, join PS 107 families at the Barlcays Center where Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a fast-paced, family-friendly production that follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle’s enchanted chandelier, sing with Elsa, and watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises - all while raising money for the PTA. Featuring spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, this is sure to be an event to remember!
Tickets on sale now through Zeffy.
*Please contact Nadia for scholarship information :💙💛
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SOUNDPROOFING HELP IN THE CAFETERIA
Help Us Explore Cafeteria Soundproofing: We’re looking for a parent/guardian with soundproofing or acoustics expertise to partner with Principal Joanna on exploring options to reduce noise in our cafeteria. If you have experience in acoustics, building materials, or facilities sound solutions—and can offer advice or light consult—please email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org. Thank you!
GRADE LEVEL BOOK CLUBS ARE BACK!
Love books and building community? PS 107 Book Clubs are gearing up for another great year—and we’re looking for a few volunteers to help make it happen! We’re currently seeking a Book Club Director — a simple, low-lift coordination role that helps organize meeting schedules and support grade-level book club leads. A few grades may also have openings for Book Club Leads (or co-leads) to help plan and host their grade’s monthly book club gatherings. If you’re interested in helping out — whether as the Book Club Director or a grade-level lead — we’d love to hear from you! Email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org to learn more or sign up.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 5 - Family Morning 8:20 to 9:15
December 8 to 12 - Powerhouse Bookfair
December 9
- Kindergarten Application Process Opens
- The Talk Workshop 6:30 pm @ PS 107 (for parents only)
December 11 - Holiday Tree Lighting at the Park Slope Women's Shelter/Armory 6pm
December 12
- 4th Grade NDI Residency Performance
- Middle School Application closes
December 13 - * NEW DATE* HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR 11am -2pm
December 14 - PS 107 REINDEER RUN
December 17 - Share the Warmth Coat Giveaway @ PS 295 4-6 pm
WEEKLY EVENTS
Wednesday's Math Magic 7:30am (4th Floor)
Wednesday's CHiPS Food Drive 8:20 (main entrance)
Thursday's Thursday Morning Track Run 7am (meet at the main entrance)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
December 24 to January 2 : Winter Recess School Closed
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