Lions Ledger
November 03-07, 2025
Dear Seth Low Families,
We had an amazing week filled with so much JOY!
Thanks to our D21 UFT leader, Mr. Adam Shapiro, several of our Performing Arts Elective students had the incredible opportunity to attend the Broadway musical Operation Mincemeat. This experience allowed many of our Broadway Junior students to see firsthand what goes into producing a Broadway show—from behind-the-scenes preparation to the final performance.
On Friday, October 31, 2025, students received their tiered reading instruction schedules. By Friday, November 7th, all families will receive a letter in their child’s backpack detailing their reading tier and the specific intervention program designed to support their growth in literacy.
On Monday, November 3rd and Thursday, November 6th, a team from SOLVED will be at Seth Low to capture photos and video for a school promotional project. If we have not received your child’s consent form or if you prefer your child not be photographed or recorded, please let us know. Only students with completed consent forms will be included in the footage, which will primarily be taken during elective classes.
Please note that school will be closed on Tuesday, November 4th for Election Day. Staff will be working remotely and participating in professional learning.
We’re also pleased to inform you that yellow bus services will continue without interruption. All students should be picked up and dropped off at their usual times. CLICK HERE to read the chancellor's statement.
Cheers to another week of providing our students with limitless opportunities!
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:
- NYCSA (New York City Schools Account)
- Jupiter (our grading and communication platform)
- MySchools (for high school applications and more)
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’m here to help!
📧 Email: Bmoralessalas@schools.nyc.gov
📞 Office Phone: 718-236-1344
📱 Cell Phone: 929-549-3260
Welcome again to the Seth Low family—I look forward to working with you!
Warm regards,
Brenda Morales
Parent Coordinator, IS 096 Seth Low
Monday
- Playoff Soccer Game
Tuesday
- Election Day- students do not attend school
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
- Open House 5:30-7:30
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Thursday:
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Friday
- 8th Grade Bowling Trip for classes 810, 811, 813, 817, 819, 820
Saturday
- Adult Education: 9:00-2:00
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Our IXL competition is in full effect!
Winning classes for the month of October will be announced on Wednesday, November 5th and receive a pizza party this Friday, November 7 during lunch periods!
All after-school programs are from 2:30-3:45.
- SHSAT Prep (Specialized High School Entrance Exam) - Tuesdays and Thursdays (ends 11/6/25)
- Broadway Junior - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Debate - Thursdays
- Beginner ENL Support - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (from 11/5/25 to 5/7/26), all eligible students please return your permission slips
- Basketball Team - BOYS - Tuesdays
- Basketball Team - GIRLS - Wednesdays
- Art Therapy - Fridays
- Spelling Bee Practice- starts November 6th, 2:30-3:30 *permission slip required
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
Apply to Serve on Student Council by November 7th
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.
The 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
Qualifications:
Students interested in applying for a seat on the Student Council must be a current 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student.
Applicants must be willing to participate in weekly Student Council meetings, which will take place Thursday morning at 7 AM.
For more information, please see Ms Agostino in room 109.
Super-short Spooky Story Contest
The library is hosting a spooky-themed Fall writing contest. Any student who would like to participate may enter. The deadline is to submit your story has been extended to November 3rd. CLICK HERE for details and regulations.
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.
Soccer
Congratulations and good luck to our Boys Varsity soccer team as they enter the playoffs.
Come cheer for our Seth Low Lions!
When: Monday, November 3rd at 4:15 p.m.
Where: Bill Brown Park
Coaches:
Mr. Paolucci and Mr. Machado
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
Games begin the first week of December. The schedule will be posted closer to game day.
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
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.
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.
🎃 Spooky Collaboration! We're excited to partner with our school's band and a local elementary charter school to perform during Halloween Parade. It's a fantastic community event!
🎄 In Rehearsal: Getting into the spirit early with a fun set of holiday music.
Pics of your room
