Dear PS 107 Families,
On Monday, we honored Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, who advocated for racial equality and social justice through nonviolent resistance. While Dr King was assassinated nearly 60 years ago, his values and his work remain critically important today. Among many memorable things said by Dr King, one of the most resonant for me has always been, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
With that in mind, please keep an eye out for several social actions that PS 107 students, staff, and parents will be taking in the next couple of weeks. Among them:
During the week of January 27th, our student Kindness Club led by Ms Rinah will be selling bracelets they’ve made with messages of kindness on them, with all of the proceeds going to Baby2Baby, an organization that is supporting emergency relief efforts in Los Angeles.
Third grade students in 3-208 are organizing a bake sale fundraiser at dismissal to help families experiencing housing insecurity. They will be selling yummy treats outside of school today, Wednesday, 1/22, this Friday, 1/24, and next Friday, 1/31.
Our entire school community will be engaging in a fundraiser to support schools and their communities who lost everything in the recent (and unfortunately, ongoing) LA wildfires. The date is TBD, but it will be afterschool and organized by our School Leadership Team (SLT). Proceeds will be donated to the LAUSD Emergency Relief Fund
As a school community that values kindness, compassion, and service to others, I know that we will continue to honor the legacy of Dr King in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
THE POWER OF OUR WORDS
Last Friday, PS 107 kicked off our The Power of our Words campaign. All students learned that our words have the potential to help or hurt, and that we should be mindful to choose words that help. The entire school listened to the book Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and had class discussions about whether the main characters used their words (and actions) to help or hurt a new classmate named Maya. Students were encouraged to take the perspective of Maya who was being excluded and made to feel uncomfortable because of the words used by her peers. Teachers asked whether students themselves had ever felt the way that Maya had. Rich and meaningful conversations ensued.
This schoolwide campaign, The Power of our Words, will continue through the remainder of the year, and students will explore their own identities, how sometimes identities are used against us in the form of microaggressions (and that this is not at all OK), and how to repair any harm that may have been caused to a community member through words or actions. Through this campaign, at PS 107, we will continue to live Dr King’s belief that "intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."
[REMINDER] IMPORTANT UPCOMING PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES – PLEASE JOIN US!
One way that parents can help us to build a stronger and more inclusive community at PS 107 is by participating in our upcoming series sponsored by our parent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team with educator Kass Minor, a local D15 parent and author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools.
Over three 90-minute workshops, Kass will help us:
Reflect on how our personal histories with school shape our experiences—and those of our children.
Deepen our understanding of how to talk with kids about race, gender, class, and other important topics.
Provide caregivers with resources and strategies to help students navigate the complex world that surrounds them
The dates of the workshops are 2/4, 3/4, and 5/1 @ 7pm on Zoom. We'd love people to join for all three workshops, as they build upon one another. Please sign up using the Konstella link here. I will be participating in this series because of how very important it is to our school’s mission. Please join us!
REPORT CARDS ARE COMING
Your child’s first report card of the year will be distributed next Friday, January 31st! In an effort to save the many reams of paper it takes to print report cards for all of our students, report cards will be available digitally in your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA).
Please be sure that you know how to log in to your account, and if you need any assistance, please reach out to Nadia Benlarbi at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov. You will follow these steps to find your child’s report card:
Go to https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/ and sign in with your credentials.
Choose the child whose report card you are looking for
Click “My Student”
Click “Grades”
On that page, you will see an icon that says “Report Card”
This should take you to another page where you’ll again click “Report Card,” and your child’s report card will download as a PDF.
Please be aware that the NYCSA system can be glitchy, and it sometimes takes a bit longer than we expect for your child’s report card to migrate to their account. If you don’t see their report card on the 31st, try again 24 hours later. Another common problem we have experienced is report card comments not migrating to NYCSA. If you don’t see comments, that is a glitch. All teachers have written comments that will accompany report cards. If you continue to have problems seeing your child’s complete report card by Tuesday, February 4th, please reach out to Nadia Benlarbi. If you need a hard copy of your child’s report card and do not have access to a printer, please also reach out to Nadia, and she will print one out for you.
Please take a look at PS 107’s Grading Policy in advance of report cards coming out so that you can better understand how teachers determine grades for your child.
Finally, I hope that many of you can visit our annual Heritage Day this Saturday, January 25th from 12 to 3 pm. I adore Heritage Day and will unfortunately be missing it this year due to a dear friend’s milestone birthday that is out of state. It is such a wonderful event showcasing the real diversity of our school community – I hope that many of you will stop by! Huge thanks in advance to parent Bradley Allen for his incredible organizing and coordinating work to make this event a success.
Have a wonderful week and stay warm!
Yours,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES WITH DR. ERICA MILLER
Dr. Erica Miller is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in neuropsychological assessment, positive parenting practices and evidenced-based treatments.
Her primary goal is to help parents better understand their child and to empower parents to meet their child’s needs with connection and empathy.
Topics will include: frustration tolerance, working through power struggles, confidence building, and preparing for the tween/teen years.
Workshop Dates:
- January 23,2025 - Building Frustration Tolerance * CLICK HERE TO RSVP
- The focus of this workshop is ‘building frustration tolerance. Participants will learn: 1) concrete, in-the-moment strategies caregivers can use to help de-escalate a frustrated child, and 2) strategies to help support their child/children build frustration tolerance so they can more productively tolerate distress as it comes.
- February 27, 2025
- During this workshop, we will focus on reframing and building confidence. As parents, we want our children to grow up to be confident. But what does that mean and how do we do it? We are hearing so many conflicting messages regarding praise, and reassurance. Participants will become equipped with a new framework confidence and explicit strategies to help kids build it from the inside out.
- March 27,2025
- TBD
LOST & FOUND - Updated 1-21-25
Please be sure to check for your child's lost winter weather accessories! Pictures of hats are now included this week!
Please check this document for some updated pictures : Did You Lose Me?
*If you see an item you now have in your possession, please just ignore the picture in the document
EXTRA! EXTRA!
- PS 107 PTA DEI COMMITTEE - Join Us in Building a More Inclusive and Compassionate Community! - Updated 1/14/25
- SAFETY DURING AFTERSCHOOL PICKUPS - Sent 1/20/25
DISTRICT 15 / NYCPS / COMMUNITY
2025 CCEC ELECTIONS
We are pleased to announce that we have reached another important milestone in the 2025 Community and Citywide Education Council Elections – the application period to run for an Education Council seat is now open!
Interested candidates are encouraged to complete and submit their application via their NYC Schools Account between now and Sunday, February 16th. Please see the attached election timelines flyer for more information.
CHANCELLOR AVILES-RAMOS KICKS OFF 2025 CEC ELECTION PROCESS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMamd8x9nJo
Want to learn more about the CEC? Attend the meeting below! You can attend in person or via live stream.
CEC15 CALENDAR MEETING
When: January 28th @ 6:30 pm
Where: MS 88, 544 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
*This meeting will be held in person with a livestream option via zoom, please register now using the following link: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckcu2qrj4jGN12o7lRkcC7ZbIaINXyA2oB
Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/zcs-bvtd-dfa
CEC 15 BUSINESS MEETING
When: February 11th @ 6:30 pm
Where: 131 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
*This meeting will be held in person with a livestream option via zoom, please register now using the following link: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtcuCurjsqHdGJKyPaYQCVihj-1fLiGknJ
CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES - Hosted by: The Central Crisis Support Team
Explore new themes each month with our engaging weekly presentations. Enhance your skills to support your child's growth and connect with a community of parents and caregivers!
February: Creating Trauma Responsive Communities
March: Empower Through Play
Time/Zoom information:
- Mon 5PM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vc-Gsrj8sH9OMo9OXbIzisuI5n5fyT3s6
- Tues 7:30pm: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdO6orT4sEtJ0AHga6aG3yRVGFe1Tcl29
- Thurs 11AM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcO2hpzsiGdNkKvZToV-RuTpg-0eBb4xq
*Please see the image or flyer for more information.
LET'S LEARN WORKSHOP WITH PBS KIDS
Please join Let’s Learn for an exciting virtual session on how to support your children’s learning at home. Let’s Learn is a public television series for children ages 3 to 7 that offers fun, interactive lessons by NYC Public School educators and teaching artists.
Date/time: February 3, 2025, 12-1pm
Format/platform: Online seminar, Zoom
*Register today by completing this form
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
BOOK CLUBS
Everyone is a reader – some just haven’t found their favorite book yet! If your child is looking for literary inspiration or loves to talk about a good book with friends, please consider joining us for monthly book club meetings Tuesday mornings. Meetings are underway for Grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5. Please check Konstella for grade level messages with details about meetings. Note: Participating students in all grades must remain with a parent or guardian throughout book club meetings.
Want to be a PS 107 Literacy Legend and lead a book club for grade 2? Sign up using the link here.
MATH MAGIC
On Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20am, join us in the 4th floor art room for games, puzzles, worksheets, coffee, doughnuts, and Pi. (Bring your own reusable mug, if possible.) Sharpen your math skills with friends and mingle with kids and parents from other grades. All ages and proficiencies welcome.
Please note: Participating kiddos are asked to remain in the art room until 8:20am and parents or guardians of students in all grades are asked to stay for the duration. We hope to see you there!
PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES: BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY
Please join the DEI Committee for a special workshop series, led by teacher educator Kass Minor, a local D15 parent and author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools.
This is a unique opportunity to come together as parents, educators and caregivers to raise thoughtful, compassionate kids who embrace diversity and understanding.
The dates of the workshops are Tuesday, February 4th; Tuesday, March 4th; and Thursday, May 1st at 7pm (on Zoom). We'd love people to join for all three workshops, as they build upon each other. RSVP here!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. Here’s how:
- Donate via Konstella here,
- Share this link with non-Konstella using friends and family, or
- Leave a check made out to PS 107 PTA with Ms. Nadia in the office.
- We also accept gifts of stock here - stock donations are tax-free!
YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Many thanks to our amazing school community for all of the ways you contribute.
GARDENING HELP NEEDED
Our chicks are growing fast! If you would like to help support our growing chicks and our growing garden, please check out Ms. A's Amazon Wishlist and consider making a donation!
Thank you!
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Community Outreach 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:
o Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
o Bread Packages
o Lunch Meat Packages
o Eggs
o Tortillas
o Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
o Microwavable meals
o Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
o Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
o Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
o Fruit Cups
o Fresh Fruit
o Individually Wrapped Snacks
o Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and Plastic cutlery
HERITAGE DAY
Heritage Day, a long-loved PS 107 tradition, returns this Saturday, January 25th from 12 to 3pm. Come and visit the classrooms hosted by members of our school community, learn about their home countries and states, and get your passport stamped! You can still sign up to host a room by filling in THIS FORM.
If you are unable to host but would like to help, please consider volunteering at the event. E-mail Brad Allen (bradallen1@gmail.com) for further information. We hope to see you all there!
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT PS 39: CAMP AND AFTER SCHOOL FAIR AT CAMP FRIENDSHIP
Join our friends at PS 39 on Sunday, January 26th from 3-5pm at Camp Friendship, (339 8th Street), to learn more about local summer camps, holiday camps, and after school programs.
Attendees will be able to meet program staff and will also be offered discount opportunities for some programs.
SUMMER CAMP AUCTION
The Summer Camp Auction opens on Monday, February 3rd at 9AM and will run until Sunday, February 9th at 9PM.
Almost $17,000 worth of camp gift certificates will be available to bid on with 100% of proceeds going to the PTA.
Preview the camps that have donated already on our Instagram.
STEM DAY
Please join us for STEM fun on Saturday, February 8th from 12 to 3pm at PS 107. Activities on offer will include the ever popular Star Lab, hands-on experiments with Tiny Scientist, Brooklyn Game Lab's Battle Lab, Scratch coding challenge with The Coding Space, fossil jackets, not to mention fun with The Robot Foundry, Audubon New York, Curious Jane and more!
Volunteers are needed to help the day run smoothly. Sign up on Konstella.
SPECIAL EVENT: SPRING AUCTION
Our Spring Auction in April is the single largest fundraising event of the year. We need these contributions to make it a success:
Help plan the event - signup on Konstella to lead or join the committee. Our growing team has already booked a venue, started soliciting donations and begun planning food, beverages and decor. Join them!
Donate an auction item - can you - or someone you know - donate a vacation home stay, tickets for a show or game, a hospitality or entertainment gift, or any other service/experience/item? Complete this form to tell us about your donation or get in touch to discuss how we can turn your connections into a cool auction lot!
NYC BLOOD EMERGENCY
The New York Blood Center has declared an emergency, saying blood supply is critically low. Reports show that there has been alarmingly low donor turnout since the holiday season, with approximately a 30% drop in donations in recent weeks. "New York State is facing a critical blood shortage, and the need for donors has never been more urgent.
A blood donation helps patients undergoing surgeries, trauma care and treatments for chronic illnesses," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Please roll up your sleeve and help your community during this blood emergency—your donation can save lives." Donations of Types O- and B- are especially needed, with only a 1-3 day supply available.
To make a donation appointment near you, click here or call 1-800-933-2566.
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
For the complete 2024-2025 school year calendar, please click here.
*Please note that Parent Teacher Conference Day on 3/6 is a non-attendance days for students. This is not reflected in the DOE calendar but was a school based decision.
For the complete 2025-2026 school year calendar, please click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 23 - Parent Workshop conducted by Dr. Erica Miller 8:45 am (in person)
January 25 - Heritage Day
January 28 - CEC Calendar Meeting 6:30 pm
January 31 - Report Cards
February 4 - Parent/Caregiver Workshop Series: Building a More Inclusive and Compassionate Community - 7pm (zoom)
February 7 - Family Morning 8:20 to 9:10 am
February 8 - STEM Day
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
January 29 - Lunar New Year (School Closed)
February 17 to February 21 - Mid Winter Recess (School Closed)