Lions Ledger
November 24-28, 2025
Dear Seth Low I.S. 96 Families,
I hope you all had an amazing Spring Break—an opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with loved ones. Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrated over the past week and a half.
Before the break, our school community experienced several exciting and meaningful events. One highlight was the visit from our new NYCPS Chancellor, Kamar H. Samuels. He was genuinely impressed by our students and staff, particularly noting our students’ confidence, creativity, and ability to advocate for themselves during the community circle. He even requested a copy of the students’ presentation so their feedback could be considered more broadly. The Chancellor was also deeply moved by our student performances, including the Broadway Junior production of “You Are the Magic” and the 8th Grade Musical Theater Elective’s rendition of “Empire State of Mind.” He was blown away by the talent of both our students and staff. In addition, he celebrated the classrooms he visited, our strong SEL approach through PGC and Advisory, and the intentional way we are developing student leaders. He also loved the interdisciplinary approach that was exhibited in the ENL stand-alone classroom. We should all be incredibly proud of what we showcased—it was truly exemplary.
Following the Chancellor’s visit, we welcomed our newly appointed District 21 Superintendent, Erin Lynch‑Reyes, who joined me for my PPO classroom observations. During her visit, she saw several exciting initiatives in action, including the 6th Grade MTSS Book Club; the integration of Word Generation vocabulary; and our new student‑to‑student discussion protocols (STRONG Voices and Talk Moves) across all content areas. She also observed the implementation of our new Mathematics MTSS structure. Throughout the visit, there was clear evidence of meeting students where they are and strong alignment to our instructional focus.
On Wednesday, April 1st, we hosted a celebratory breakfast honoring students who were accepted into Discovery and Specialized High Schools. This year, we celebrated 26 students—an increase of 10 from last year. Thank you to the entire 8th Grade team, especially Mr. Gjonbalaj and Ms. Levine, for their unwavering support throughout the high school application process. A huge thank-you as well to our SHSAT Prep teachers for equipping students with the tools they needed to succeed. We are also grateful to Sharea Thomas, Community Schools Director, for making this celebration possible.
On Tuesday, March 31st, we proudly launched our first Parent‑and‑Me Book Club. Based on feedback from our parent surveys, families selected Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan as the featured text. The Parent‑and‑Me Book Club will meet every Tuesday from 4:00–5:00 PM and is designed to strengthen family engagement, promote a love of reading, and create meaningful opportunities for shared discussion between parents/guardians and students. If you are interested in joining, there is still time to participate! Please complete the survey below or email Angela Hargrove at AHargrove3@schools.nyc.gov or Assistant Principal Jacqueline Incorvaia at JIncorvaia2@schools.nyc.gov. In your message, please include:
Your name and your child’s name
Your preferred language for the book
Whether you would like an audio version
We look forward to learning, reading, and growing together as a community!
Parent- and- Me Book Club Survey:
NYC Public Schools Parent Surveys have now been distributed, and the deadline has been extended to April 16th. We kindly ask all families to complete the survey. Your feedback provides our school with valuable insight and strengthens our partnership with families.
To encourage full participation, we are excited to offer the following incentives:
The first class with 100% survey completion will receive a pizza party.
The grade with the highest completion rate will earn a field day.
All students who return their survey—or provide proof of online completion—will be entered into a raffle for AirPods.
If families have already completed the survey, they may email their child’s grade‑level dean to confirm.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday, April 14
• ELA Testing – 8th Grade
Wednesday, April 15
• ELA Testing – 7th & 8th Grades
• District CEC Meeting – 6:00 PM
P.S./I.S. 95 The Gravesend School
345 Van Sicklen St., Brooklyn, NY 11223
Thursday, April 16
• ELA Testing – 6th & 7th Grades
Friday, April 17
• ELA Testing – 6th Grade
Saturday, April 18
• Food Pantry – 9:00 AM–11:00 PM
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
Tuesday
- ELA Testing – 8th Grade
Wednesday
- ELA Testing – 7th & 8th Grades
• District CEC Meeting – 6:00 PM
P.S./I.S. 95 The Gravesend School
345 Van Sicklen St., Brooklyn, NY 11223
Thursday
- ELA Testing – 6th & 7th Grades
Friday
ELA Testing – 6th Grade
Saturday
- Food Pantry – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
8th Grade
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Winners for February are classes are 610, 717, and 815. Winning classes will receive a pizza party in their math classes.
Students, March competition is underway. Log on at home to increase your grade-level skills and your chance of winning. Good luck!
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
6th grade- amend, equity, constitute, resolve, legislate
7th grade- consequence, undernourished, extract, modify, DNA
8th grade- deter, condemn, incarcerate, disparity, rehabilitate
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, APRIL 14 @ 7:00 PM
Supporting Students with Academic and Test Anxiety
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
Bookmaking Competition
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 aSpring 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.
