Lions Ledger
November 24-28, 2025
Dear Seth Low I.S. 96 Families,
Another week filled with fun, rigor, and progress!
On Monday, we administered our End of Year Math i‑Ready Diagnostic to measure student progress. Thank you to Danielle Blickhahn and AP Brock for coordinating a smooth and successful administration. We are proud to share that we are currently showing a 5% increase in proficiency from the Middle-of-Year diagnostic, and an overall proficiency increase of 22% in math for the school year. These gains reflect the hard work and dedication of both our students and staff. Thank you to our entire math department for your consistent commitment to student growth. You have truly demonstrated that all students can learn when given the proper supports.
On Tuesday, our Peer Group Connections leaders had the opportunity to attend a trip to Dave & Buster’s, celebrating their efforts and the progress they have made—not only in their own social-emotional growth, but in supporting the growth of their peers as well. Shout out to our PGC teacher leaders and AP Ramos for coordinating an event that was both meaningful and well-deserved, recognizing the leadership and positive impact these students bring to our school community.
On Wednesday, our 7th grade Humanities students, alongside their teachers—Ms. Johnson, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Amodeo—brought history to life by hosting the Brooklyn Abolitionist Museum at Seth Low. Students engaged in meaningful research, thoughtful presentations, and interactive exhibits that highlighted the voices, stories, and impact of abolitionists in Brooklyn and beyond. It was inspiring to see our students step into the role of historians and educators, demonstrating both deep understanding and pride in their work. Shout out to our Humanities teachers and AP Incorvaia for planning such an engaging and meaningful event.
On Wednesday, June 10, we also held our 8th Grade Prom, where there wasn’t a single spot left on the dance floor! Shout out to our PTA for the amazing balloon display, and to our 8th grade team, alongside AP Vagner, to ensure a beautiful and safe event for the Class of 2026.
On Saturday, June 13, Sharea Thomas and Brenda Morales-Salas hosted a Community Schools Forum, where families and students came together for engaging activities and a community barbecue. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections, celebrate our school community, and create a welcoming space for all. Thank you to Ms. Thomas and Ms. Morales-Salas for organizing such a joyful and inclusive event that truly reflects the spirit of Seth Low.
Looking Ahead:
Monday, June 15
- 8th Grade Awards Ceremony (5:30–6:30 PM)
Wednesday, June 17
- Safety Meeting
- NEST Acceptance Day (3:00–4:00 PM)
- NEST Parent Workshop (5:00–6:00 PM)
- Regents Exam – Algebra
Thursday, June 18
- Regents Exams – Biology & Earth Science
- 7th Grade Trip – Adventureland
Friday, June 19
- No School- Juneteenth
Monday, June 22
- Graduation Ceremony (10:00–11:30 AM)
- All Staff Department Meeting
Tuesday, June 23
- Regents Exams – U.S. History & Geometry
- 6th Grade Field Day (Periods 1–4, School Yard)
Wednesday, June 24
- SST Meeting
- 8th Grade Trip – Dorney Park
- 6th & 7th Grade Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 25
- Staff NEST Breakfast (7:30–8:00 AM)
Friday, June 26
- Last Day of School
- 8th Grade School Carnival
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Seth Low a place where every student thrives.
Cheers to creating limitless opportunities for our students and families!
With PRIDE and appreciation,
Christina Monfasani‑Voutsinas
Welcome to the Seth Low Community! My name is Brenda Morales, and I am the Parent Coordinator here at IS 096 Seth Low. I am thrilled to welcome you and your child to our school and look forward to supporting you both as we begin this exciting new chapter together. Middle school is a time of growth, discovery, and new opportunities. At Seth Low, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential, and I am here to assist you every step of the way. As part of our support, I can help you set up important accounts such as: Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’m here to help! 📧 Email: Bmoralessalas@schools.nyc.gov Welcome again to the Seth Low family—I look forward to working with you! Warm regards, Brenda Morales Parent Coordinator, IS 096 Seth Low
📞 Office Phone: 718-236-1344
📱 Cell Phone: 929-549-3260
The Project Open Arms team is excited to share the calendars for our three upcoming presentations: Know Your Rights, Know Their Rights, Supporting Immigrant Students, and Families 3.0.
Know Your Rights Presentations
Students & families, please join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.
Use this calendar to see dates, times, & session links to join!
I am Sharea Thomas, your Community School Director. I serve as a bridge between the school and its surrounding community, ensuring that students and families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. This includes monthly food pantries, free vision and dental screenings for students and fun family events and workshops.
If you'd like to see more about the work that Community Schools is doing, please visit our website.
If you'd like to reach out to me directly, you can contact me via email at sthomas@ucsuft.org.
I look forward to supporting you in any way I can.
Monday
- 8th Grade Awards Ceremony (5:30–6:30 PM)
Tuesday
Wednesday
- Safety Meeting
- NEST Acceptance Day (3:00–4:00 PM)
- NEST Parent Workshop (5:00–6:00 PM)
- Regents Exam – Algebra
- Adult Learning- 5:40-9:00
- Regents Exams – Biology & Earth Science
- Adult Learning 5:40-9:00
Friday
- No School- Juneteenth
- Adult Learning 9-12
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Winners for May will be announced shortly. Winning classes will receive a pizza party in their math classes.
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
All grades, short films lessons
Dues
Calendar
PTA Board Members
Co-Presidents: Tracy Field and Lisbeth Lopez
Treasurer: Janice Ortiz
Rec. Secretary: Sandra Pellegrini
Financial Secretary: Cheryle Calandra
Corresponding Secretary: Carmela Marucci
Virtual Support Liaison: Angela Cutri
Questions about the PTA?
Feel free to contact the PTA Co-Presidents:
Tracy Field at tfield2@doeexternal.nyc or Lisbeth Lopez at llopez13@doeexternal.nyc
Click on THIS LINK to sign up for free parent workshops. All workshops are held online via Zoom and developed by clinician and researcher Annie Graham. Live captioning is available in 35 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, French and Russian.
Next week:
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 @ 7:00 PM EST
Managing Screen Time Over the Summer
The purpose of Student Council is to empower our students to take an active role in their school community by promoting leadership, responsibility, and school spirit. Students will work alongside teacher Ms. Agostino and Principal Ms. Monfasani to help plan events, share student ideas, and make our school an even better place.
Members of Student Council are accountable to the students in the grade they serve and shall:
● Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with peers and teachers
● Act as positive role models in both behavior and attitude
● Listen to and represent the ideas and concerns of their classmates
● Collaborate respectfully and responsibly in meetings and activities
● Participate in organizing school events and community service projects
● Show commitment, reliability, and a willingness to lead
Book Return
The last day to check out books is June 2nd. If you have any library books you need to turn in, please bring them to room 307.
Open Access
Students may come to the library to read, study, play games, do puzzles or just relax in a quiet space during their lunch periods on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Get a pass from your dean by going to the cafeteria first and then asking for a pass. Please make sure you eat before you come up.
Basketball
The Seth Low Basketball program is focused on developing the athletic skills, teamwork, discipline, and game strategies of our student athletes. We are looking forward to an exciting season.
Girls Practice:
Wednesdays from 2:45-4:45, in the 4th floor gym, beginning October 29th
Boys Practice:
Tuesdays from 2:45-4:45, in the 3rd floor gym, beginning October 28th
Congratulations to the Girls Varsity tam on their win and on making it to the playoffs.
Coaches:
Ms. Conroy, Ms. Bermudez, and Mr. Mei
Track
The Seth Low track program is focused on supporting anyone who wants to run develop their athletic ability. We train long distance runners by jogging in the park to build endurance and we do sprints and relays in the gym. Track is for everyone.
Track Practice:
Fridays from 2:30-3:45, meet in cafeteria and then go up to the gym.
Coaches:
Ms. Bernabe-Fiume, Mr. Ling, and Mr. Machado
Soccer
Congratulations to our amazing soccer team on a great season.
After-school soccer club starts December 9th
Team soccer will have a Spring season. Details to follow.
Coaches:
Mr. Paolucci and Mr. Machado
Volleyball
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity on a well played Fall season.
The Spring season starts in late April. Check back for details.
Coach:
Mr. Machado
Visual Art
The Seth Low Visual Art program is focused on developing fundamental art skills while letting students explore their creativity. We work with a variety of mediums including acrylic paint, clay, and watercolor. We also partner with and integrate the arts in various subjects to enhance engagement and motivation.
Musical Theater
In Musical Theater, you’ll learn the fundamentals of performing while building confidence, teamwork, and stage presence.
Each year, students take the stage in our Spring Concert and have the chance to audition for the Spring Musical.
Over three years, you’ll develop your performance skills and get ready to audition for specialized performing arts high schools by the start of eighth grade.
Whether you’re new to the stage or born for the spotlight, this class lets you explore it all—singing, dancing, and acting your heart out!, and acting your heart out!
Chorus
Chorus is a year-long elective where students develop vocal skills and learn the fundamentals of singing in an ensemble setting. Throughout the course, students explore proper vocal technique, breathing, harmony, and sight-reading while gaining a foundation in music theory to support their ability to read and understand written music.
Chorus students perform in the Spring Concert each year and are encouraged to participate in the Spring Musical. As a new addition to our performing arts program, the Chorus class provides students with opportunities to grow as musicians and performers while contributing to the school’s vibrant musical community.
Theater
In our general classes, we have just wrapped our first unit on ensemble—learning to work together and build a community of trust in order to create bold stories.
Theater Elective students just completed their very first on-camera “screen tests” and are now diving into rehearsals for our upcoming student film, Finding Alice, a filmed adaptation of Alice in Wonderland created by 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Theater Elective students.
We're so proud of the creativity and confidence our students are already showing, and we can’t wait to share their work with you!
Band
Both groups have been visiting local elementary schools to perform and build connections in our district. We are looking forward to some trips with the orchestra students in the winter and to our spring performances coming up later in the year.
Orchestra
Our Middle School String Orchestra program emphasizes a supportive environment where every student can develop their musical voice and contribute to the success of the ensemble.
Fall Update:
Our string players are having a fantastic semester! Here’s the latest from the orchestra room:
🎵 Currently Featuring: A deep dive into core techniques, including posture, bow control, and music theory.
🎻 Focus on Fundamentals: We're honing specific skills like articulation to make our music more expressive and dynamic.
