The Wednesday Weekly
March 4, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
Welcome to March — and to Women's History Month! This is a moment to celebrate the phenomenal women who contributed to the growth and development of the United States, as well as the remarkable women at PS 107 who care for your children every single day and the strong women in our community who make PS 107 the special place that it is. Thank you, too, to parents Michelle Watsula and Samantha Manchester for the spectacular bulletin board that greets all who enter PS 107!
One Book, One School Community: She Persisted
Our One Book, One School Community text for March is She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Every class will read and discuss this book together. You can find discussion questions and an optional project guide for classrooms here. We strongly encourage families to get a copy and read it together at home — there is so much rich conversation to be had around this book!
Parent-Teacher Conferences Tomorrow — Half Day
A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, March 5th, is a half-day for students due to Parent-Teacher Conferences. Dismissal is at 11:35 am, and there is no PSACC after-school tomorrow. Please make sure your children are picked up promptly at 11:35 am.
If you have any questions about your scheduled conference time, please reach out directly to your child's teacher. If you would like to schedule a conference with one of our specialty or out-of-classroom intervention teachers, please contact them directly via email:
Mark Sacoto, Physical Education: msacoto2@schools.nyc.gov
Crystal Barnes, Science (Grades 2–5): cbarnes13@schools.nyc.gov
Julie Brunner Cross, Art: jbrunnercross@schools.nyc.gov
Gary DiFranco, Music: gdifranco2@schools.nyc.gov
Marybeth LoPorto, STEM (PreK–2): mloporto2@schools.nyc.gov
Arelys Vasquez, Reading Intervention: avasque5@schools.nyc.gov
Aid + Action: Bundles of Hope
I am so proud to share that our PS 107 community recently came together to pack 100 "bundles of hope" for women at the nearby Shirley Chisholm Family Residence and the Rosa Parks Family Residence, through our Aid + Action team led by parent Julie Mee Schmidt. A good community is one in which we take genuine responsibility for one another — and that is exactly what our families demonstrated. I couldn't be prouder of the empathy and generosity our children witnessed and participated in firsthand. This is how we build a stronger neighborhood, together.
A Note on Device Safety
On a more serious note: we strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to check in on your children's devices — their browser history, text messages, apps, and more. We have noticed, during informal moments in the school day, that some students are being exposed to developmentally inappropriate content online and bringing those conversations into school. Monitoring your child's device use at home is one of the most important things you can do right now to protect them. If you're unsure where to start, there are many good resources online for age-appropriate screen time guidelines and parental controls here on Common Sense Media.
As we move into this season of honoring women's strength and resilience, I find myself deeply grateful for this community — for the parents, the caregivers, the staff, and the children who fill our building with purpose every day. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious people.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
NYCPS MARCH FAMILY UPDATE
This month’s letter features important information about Summer Rising, high school offers for fall 2026, Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs), Civics Week, and the NYC School Survey.
2026 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY!
The 2026 NYC School Survey administration window is OPEN! We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year. The paper survey was backpacked home yesterday.
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- When will the survey launch? The survey will launch on Monday, February 9 and continue through Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- How can you take the survey? Families may complete the survey online or on paper. For online surveys, families use a lowercase “f” followed by their child’s OSIS number as their access code.
- Where do you take the survey online? Beginning February 9, a link to the survey will be available at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Families should click “Take the 2026 NYC School Survey” and enter their access code.
DID SOMEBODY SAY PIZZA PARTY?!?
Once again, the PTA has agreed to sponsor a pizza party for the classes that achieve a 95% completion rate for the NYC School Survey :)
Win this party for your child's class and complete the survey!
Thank you to the PTA for their generosity 🫶
NYC KIDS RISE SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM
All students grades K-4 are eligible to participate in the NYC KIDS RISE Save for College program. The next step is to activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account to see the funds already saved for their future college and career dreams – no personal information is required! Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward for activating it.
Activate your child’s account by following the steps below or by watching this short video guide.
- Go to nyckr.org/act-now
- Enter your child’s ZIP code, birthdate, and Student ID or OSIS number, then click Submit
- Enter your name, email, and create a password
- Read and accept the Terms of Use, then click Create User Profile
*If you are not interested in activating this account, please opt out of the program by doing so through your NYC Schools Account.
After logging into NYCSA, you should look at the main screen with all of the tiles.
You can click on the “Postsecondary Planning'' tile, then click on the button on the next page that says “NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program.”
After this you can review Program information and make the choice to opt out.
NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT - NYCSA
The NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is a NYCPS parent account for students that enables parents/guardians to view all of their children’s records - grades, fitnessgrams, attendance, your child’s NYCPS email, etc. We strongly encourage all parents/guardians to have their own account. Any custodial parent who does not have their own NYCSA , please contact Nadia for instructions and your unique account creation code.
To set up your account, you will need a unique account creation code and your child's OSIS # or Student ID.
- A letter with directions and with your unique account creation code will be sent to you.
- The OSIS# or Student ID is an 9 digit number that can be found in Operoo in the Student Profile.
LOST & FOUND:
Did you Lose Me? Please check this document to see if there are any missing items that we have found 😄
If you have already claimed an item included here, YAY!
Thank you!
SCHOOL NEWS
- Annual 5K Shamrock Run and Cheer Rally
- February 2026 Edition of The 5 Day Week
- Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP: MAKE MATH FUN at HOME
Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop for parents of 3rd to 5th grade students! Discover how math games can build your child’s confidence and strengthen number fluency in counting, addition, and subtraction.
📅 Wednesday March 11th
⏰ 8:45 am
📍 PS 107 Cafeteria
*Click here to RSVP :)
PARK SLOPE AFTERSCHOOL CENTER AT PS 107
Join us for the annual 5K Shamrock Run and Cheer Rally in Prospect Park on Saturday, March 7th.
- Check-in starts at 1:30pm
- Race begins at 2pm
- Cheer Rally will take place at 1:45pm
- 📅Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- ⏰6:30 PM-9:00 PM
- 📍 M.S. 51 William Alexander, 350 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Zoom: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z_yByLn4TsG0dAut5QinfA
PS 58 FRANCOPHONE FESTIVAL
When: Sunday, March 15, 11am - 6pm
Where: PS 58 / 330 Smith Street, Brooklyn
Feature-length and short family films in French (with English subtitles)
French-language book fair and children's author visit
Musical performances including PS 58 students
International food and bake sale
Photo Booth, arts and crafts, and more!
Proceeds will support the PS58 PTA in the 2026-2027 school year
Please note this is not a drop-off event
More info and registration: https://ps-58-pta-francophonefilmfestival.square.site/
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
D15 Stronger Together: Family Voices & Partnerships in Special Education
District 15 invites families to join us for an in-person Special Education Workshop and Resource Fair designed to inform, empower, and connect our community.
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM to 10:45 AMLocation: 4222 4 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
The morning will include:
- An informational session led by IncludeNYC on understanding the IEP process and family rights
- A Resource Fair where families can connect directly with District 15 special education leaders
Together, we can ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.
CONVERSATIONS WITH CHANCELLOR KAMAR H SAMUELS
Our Schools. Our Future: Conversations with the Chancellor is a citywide series of 10 in-person community conversations across all five boroughs. Grounded in the Chancellor’s vision for NYCPS, this engagement series brings together students, families, educators, staff, and community partners for honest dialogue about where our schools are today and where we must go next. Conversations will focus on key priorities including school safety, academic rigor, true integration, and family and community empowerment.
Please note the dates and times for the remaining 2 out of the first 5 events below. For future events in all boroughs, refer to the Our Schools. Our Future: Conversations with the Chancellor webpage. The series includes evening and weekend sessions designed to maximize access for families, staff, and community partners.
Queens: From 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Channel View School for Research (100-00 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park, NY 11694) on March 7.
Bronx: From 6:30–8:00 p.m. at Bronxwood Prep Academy (921 East 228th Street, Bronx, NY 10466) on March 10.
MARBLE HEALTH FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Finding Calm in Chaos: Helping Students Navigate Political Anxiety
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 @ 8:00 PM
Cómo afrontar los retos de salud estudiantil actuales: vapeo, alcohol y otras sustancias (en español)
MARTES 10 DE MARZO A LAS 19:00
Navigating AI: Supporting Students in a Changing World (New!)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 @ 8:00 PM
Managing Screen Time
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Students Through Grief and Transition
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 @ 7:00 PM
2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE
We are excited to share that the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) will host its annual Family Conference on April 22 from 10 AM-12 PM at Fordham University. This event is a joyful opportunity to celebrate multilingualism and culture while connecting families to valuable school- and community-based resources.
The conference will include engaging workshops, community resource tables, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities. There will be food, fun, and meaningful opportunities for families to build connections and access information that supports their children’s success.
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
PARENT/CAREGIVER HANDBOOK & DEVICE/SCREEN USE POLICY
If you have questions about school operations, policies, or procedures, be sure to check our Parent Handbook first. Please click this link to view our Device Policy as well : PS 107 Cell Phone, Smart Watch, and Other Device Policy
If you don’t see the answer there, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher if it is classroom-specific or Nadia Benlarbi, Parent Coordinator, if you have more of a school-wide question, at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Please see the attached important update from the NYCPS Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Please feel free to reach out to Nadia if you have any concerns or questions.
LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Empathy
One way to think about empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that helps build strong relationships and a caring community. Empathy is one of the three core traits that supports students in being kind, and across grade levels, students will be developing skills such as:
Perspective-taking
Conflict resolution
Leadership
Families can learn more and continue these conversations at home by reviewing the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly in the PS 107 Art Room for Math Magic! Every Wednesday, from 7:30am until 8:20am, enjoy puzzles, games, coffee for the adults (bring your own reusable mug if possible), doughnuts, and Pi. All ages and skill levels welcome. Parents must stay with students—no drop-offs. Questions? Contact Elaine Mui at eemooey@gmail.com
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the March PTA General Meeting on Thursday, March 19th at 9am. Meeting will take place on zoom.
Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
2026-27 PTA Executive Board
We’re starting to think about next year’s PTA Executive Board and are gathering interest from parents who may want to get involved. Many of our roles are co-led, and in most cases one co-leader will remain in place — meaning you’d be stepping into a shared role with support and continuity.
Check out the different board positions on the website here: https://www.ps107.org/about-pta.
If you’re even a little curious, please reach out via email to adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org . We’re happy to talk it through!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. Here’s how:
Make a one-time or monthly donation online via Konstella by clicking here.
Share this public link with non-Konstella users (e.g. extended family and friends).
Make a gift of stock here.
Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program - if so, taking the extra step to secure a corporate match makes a huge difference!
Why support the Annual Fund?
PS 107 relies on PTA support to supplement DOE funding, which consistently falls short of what's needed. This partnership between families and the school makes possible important programs such as Art and Science, as well as supplies, curriculum materials, extra classroom support, and so much more. THANK YOU in advance for your contribution! Please contact PS 107 parent Betsy Goldfarb with any questions about the Annual Fund: betsy@ps107.org.
READ-A-THON
Dust off your favorite books and find your most comfortable pajamas!
The PS 107 Read-A-Thon has officially kicked off! During the Read-A-Thon, students are encouraged to read as much as they can and ask friends and family to support them by making a donation to our school.
Each class will work together to achieve a collective reading goal. If a class reaches its goal, every student, teacher, and hamster will win a free ice cream from Goodiez!
This year, the event is a few days shorter and the goals are a little more ambitious, so students will need to work extra hard to help their class earn their prize.
If your student would like to participate, fill out this form to get started!
FOUR & TWENTY BLACKPIRDS 'PI DAY' FUNDRAISER
Celebrate International Pi Day (March 14th) a day early with a pie from Brooklyn's own Four & Twenty Blackbirds. Pies are $40 each (regular retail price is $45), and thanks to Four & Twenty Blackbirds, $14 from each pie purchased goes to the PS 107 PTA! Order here. Be sure to place your orders by Friday, March 6th! Pies can be collected outside school on Friday, March 13th from 2:30-5:45pm. Email any questions to Julie Mee Schmidt (juliem@ps107.org)
ROM-COM TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JULIA STILES
On Thursday, March 12th, at 7pm, join the PS 107 Aid & Action Committee at Rullos (560 5th Ave) for Rom-Com Trivia Night Hosted by Julia Stiles!
Tickets are currently sold out, but please email juliem@ps107.org if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Aid and Action 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 the items detailed above.
Please note: Students can now earn the Food Drive Merit Pin by volunteering at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings. Email Julie Mee Schmidt (juliem@ps107.org) if your child would like to volunteer for this service project.
STEM DAY
Stem Day returns! This fun filled day for the whole family is back on Saturday, March 14th this year from 12:00-3:00pm.
Fan favorites return such as STARLAB Planetarium, Brooklyn Game Lab’s Battle Lab, Into the Future, scratch coding challenges with Code Ninjas and Penguin Coding, DarkSky International, Trail Blazers, KoKo NYC, the New York Aquarium, Audubon New York and hands on experiments led by PS 107 parents.
We are in need of volunteers to make this day possible! Please join us as a greeter, activity helper, set up/clean up crew, pizza sales- a little bit of your time will help the day continue to be a success! Sign up here, on Konstella. Thank you!
AID AND ACTION COMMITTEE
Please join us for the PS 124 SPRING Clothing and Houseware Swap on Saturday, March 7th, from 10:30am-12:30pm. (Details below.)
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 9 to April 1 - School Survey Process Open
February 27 to March 13 - Read a Thon
March 3 - Summer Rising Application Opened
March 5 - Parent Teacher Conferences - early dismissal at 11:30 am
March 7 - PSACC Annual Shamrock Run and Cheer Rally
March 10 - CEC Calendar & Business Meeting
March 11 - Make Math Fun at Home with Mr. Ed Grades 3- 5 8:45 AM (in person)
March 14 - STEM Day 12 - 3 pm
March 19 - PTA GENERAL MEETING 9 AM (Virtual)
March 26 - D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM (in person)
March 27 - Summer Rising Application Closes
April 22 - 2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 10 AM-12 PM
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
March 5 - Parent Teacher Conferences (half-day dismissal at 11:30)
March 20 - Eid al Fitr (School Closed)
April 2 to 10 - Spring Recess (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!