Lions Ledger
November 24-28, 2025
Dear Seth Low I.S. 96 Families,
Last week was filled with positivity and celebrations! On Tuesday, November 18th, we hosted a celebratory breakfast for all the Spooky Story participants. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to share their creative work with peers and see that hard work truly pays off.
Throughout the week, our students also participated in classroom spelling bees. Two winners from each class will advance to compete in the schoolwide spelling bee on Monday, November 24th.
A special thank you to our Community School Director, Sharea Thomas, Parent Coordinator, Brenda Morales-Salas, and Councilwoman Susan Zhuang for generously providing over 50 families with turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday and hosting a food pantry in our auditorium this past Saturday, November 22nd.
Looking Ahead
- Monday, November 24th – Schoolwide Spelling Bee (Periods 4–6, Auditorium)
- Tuesday, November 25th – Monthly PTA Meeting at 6 PM, followed by Parent Advisory Council Meeting at 7 PM
- Friday, December 12th – PRIDE Event: Winter Wonderland Dance for all grades (6, 7, 8)
- December 15th–19th – Tier II and III intervention students will take the San Diego Quick Assessment (SDQA) to measure progress for parent conferences during the week of January 5th
- Reminder for 8th Grade Families: High School Applications are due by December 3rd. For questions or support, please contact our 8th-grade guidance counselor, Edon Gjonbalaj, at ext. 1211 or EGjonbalaj2@schools.nyc.gov
Cheers to another week of providing our students with limitless opportunities!
Wishing all our families a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and togetherness.
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
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
- Schoolwide Spelling Bee- periods 4-6.
Tuesday
- PTA Meeting at 6 PM, followed by Parent Advisory Council Meeting at 7 PM
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
- 7th grade bowling trip
- U.S. History Trip for classes 810 and 820
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Thursday:
- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday
- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Holiday
Saturday
- Adult Education: 9:00-2:00
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Congratulations to the winning class for October- class 716.
Competition for November is going strong. Students, log on to build your skills and your chance of winning. Good luck to all classes.
All after-school programs are from 2:45-4:45.
- Broadway Junior - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Basketball Team - BOYS - Tuesdays
- Basketball Team - GIRLS - Wednesdays
- Beginner ENL Support - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30- 3:45. Starts11/5/25 ends on 5/7/26. All eligible students please return your permission slips
- Debate - Thursdays
- Art Therapy - Fridays
Additional after school programs beginning December 9th and will continue through May 7th.
Students will need to complete and return a Seth Low and Beacon permission slip.
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
The first Student Council meeting will be December 4th at 7:00 a.m.
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
Schoolwide Spelling Bee
The Seth Low library is proud to present a schoolwide spelling bee. The contestants were selected from the class level spelling bees and the top two spellers in the school will advance to the Borough Qualifier in January. Updates to follow.
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
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
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.
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.
🎄 In Rehearsal: Getting into the spirit early with a fun set of holiday music.
