The Wednesday Weekly
October 29, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
What an amazing Fall Festival this past Saturday! A heartfelt thank you to Lisa Esterhuizen, who served as this year’s event lead — she did an incredible job making this Fall Festival our most inclusive and dynamic yet. Thank you also to Julie Mee Schmidt and Margaux Turchiano, our co-Events Directors, for their steady guidance and support, as well as to Nadia Benlarbi, our Parent Coordinator, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly.
These events would not be possible without the many parent (and alumni!) volunteers staffing tables and keeping the energy high throughout the day. Thank you for helping to make Fall Festival the community-powered event that it is — full of joy, connection, and PS 107 spirit!
Halloween is this Friday!
Children are welcome to wear costumes on Friday, October 31st, as long as they follow these guidelines:
No masks or heavy makeup
No weapons or items that could be used as weapons (including wands or anything that could poke others)
No costumes that are overly gory, bloody, or frightening
Costumes should be comfortable enough to wear all day (we cannot manage costume changes during the day)
If your child prefers not to wear a costume, we encourage orange/black or Halloween-themed clothing instead
Classroom celebrations may take place in the afternoon. Please also note that PSACC afterschool will dismiss early at 5:00 pm on Halloween so families can enjoy the festivities together.
And don’t forget to march with PS 107 in the Park Slope Halloween Parade! We’ll gather at the corner of 7th Avenue and 14th Street between 5:30 and 6:00 pm (note the revised time!), with the parade beginning shortly after 6:00 pm. Sign up here.
Introducing the PS 107 EAGLE Award
This year, we’re excited to launch the PS 107 EAGLE Award, a new way to recognize students who exemplify the values we most want to celebrate in our community. This program replaces the MVP initiative that began last year.
Each letter in EAGLE represents a value:
Effort – always trying their best, even when it’s hard
Appreciation – showing gratitude for others and for learning
Growth – learning from mistakes and improving every day
Leadership – being a role model who guides and inspires others
Empathy – caring about how others feel and showing kindness
Any staff member at PS 107 may nominate a student for the monthly EAGLE Award. We plan to honor one student per classroom each month from October through May. We look forward to celebrating our first PS 107 EAGLEs very soon!
PurposeFull People: Responsibility
All classrooms are currently focusing on Responsibility, one of the core values in our new social-emotional learning curriculum, PurposeFull People. Responsibility is among the traits that help our students Be Kind, Be Well, and Be Strong.
Across grade levels, students are learning about taking action, making thoughtful choices, and understanding the impact of their behavior on others.
Families can read the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility, which includes activities and discussion prompts for home.
Morning Arrival Clarification
We know there’s been some uncertainty about what time students are marked late in the mornings. After discussion at our October School Leadership Team meeting, we’ve clarified the policy: Students will now be marked late beginning at 8:30 am.
That said, school officially begins at 8:20 am, and we encourage all families to aim for that arrival time. Starting the day on time helps students transition smoothly and begin learning with their peers. Thank you for your efforts to make punctuality a priority!
Upcoming Safety Drill
We will conduct our third of six Evacuation (Fire) Drills during the week of November 6th. We’re aiming to complete all drills before the weather turns colder. For more information about NYCPS emergency readiness protocols, please click here.
Parent–Teacher Conferences
A reminder that Parent–Teacher Conferences will take place next Thursday, November 6th. For all the details, please refer to last week’s Wednesday Weekly.
Got Extra Candy?
If your Halloween stash is overflowing, we’d love to take some off your hands! The PS 107 Conference Room (which doubles as the staff break room) is powered by chocolate and sugar, and we love keeping it stocked for our hardworking staff.
If you’d like to contribute, please drop off candy with Nadia in the main office. Thank you for spreading sweetness (literally and figuratively)!
Thank you for helping to make PS 107 such a warm, vibrant community. Whether it’s volunteering at events, cheering from the parade route, or simply showing up with kindness and enthusiasm each day, you make this school an extraordinary place for children to learn and grow.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and joy-filled Halloween week!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
THE FIVE DAY WEEK - FALL EDITION!
Welcome to the first edition of the 2025-2026 Five Day Week!
Editors: Kaia Cerruti, Peter Moore, Georgie Robertson and Kara Wong
Staff: Champ Clardy, Clara DiLeo, Sylvie Gallagher, Cora Jehl, Henry Laffety- Gebauer, Amitai Hever Boehm, Sylvie Levin, Sebastian Mitchell, Ella Nachemi, Maeve Rice, Beau Riddick, Cole Ryang, Elijah Song, Frankie Ting, Sadie Tracey and Cameron Tucker
Instructor: Ms. Marybeth LoPorto
FIFTH GRADE GRADUATION : SAVE THE DATE!
Day/Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2025
Time: 9am
Where * NEW LOCATION*: New Voices School of Academic and Creative Arts (MS 443)
FIFTH GRADE BAKE SALE & PIZZA SALE
Day/Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 11:35 pm
Where: Three Dismissal Exits
FIFTH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
- PS 107 MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT PANEL: On November 13th at 7pm, there will be a parent panel where former parents come and share information about their experiences with the D15 middle schools. *Please register here
- D15 middle school list here for reference. This list is a collaborative effort with fellow PC's in the district.
- Please check the District 15 website here for NYCPS D15 middle school information as well.
- Be sure to keep your eye on Operoo for the most up-to-date information!
Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Middle School Application Opens
Monday, November 3, 2025: Deadline to register to test for Mark Twain I.S. 239 (21K239) and District 21 Talent Tests
Friday, December 12, 2025: Middle School Application Closes
Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Middle School Offer Release
You can sign up for enrollment updates here and please be sure to check the NYCPS website as well for enrollment information.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah or Nadia!
LAST CALL! DO YOU KNOW AN EXCELLENT TEACHER?
The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching is an annual prize to celebrate outstanding NYC teachers who have shown remarkable dedication to their students and have had a significant impact on their lives and learning.
It is also intended to honor those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership within their school communities. Each year, up to ten teachers will receive a $20,000 unrestricted cash prize.
We welcome nominations for any current, full-time classroom teacher, of any subject or age/grade level, working in a New York City public school (district, charter, or early childhood center).
SAVE FOR COLLEGE - NYC Kids RISE
The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program provides families, schools, and communities
with a way to work together to save for and invest in their children’s futures.
It is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible for public school students. NYC Kids RISE, a non-profit organization, manages the Save for College Program in partnership with NYC Public Schools and the City of New York.
As of school year 2025-2026, students in kindergarten through fourth grade at NYC public schools
(including participating charter schools) are eligible to participate in the Program, no matter what their family income or immigration status is.
Please click below to view additional information regarding this very important initiative in your preferred language. Thank you!
NYCPS INFORMATION
NOVEMBER 2025 FAMILY UPDATE
This Family Update provides includes important information about kindergarten admissions for fall 2026, upcoming admissions deadlines, November parent-teacher conferences, the first Climate Action Day of the 2025–26 school year, preparing for remote learning, and the New York City Schools Account.
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.
At least one parent/guardian will need to have access to this account. 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.
FAMILY INCOME FORMS
All families should complete the Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for their programs , whether or not they qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Completing this form each year ensures that the most accurate information is reflected. For our fifth grade families, family income plays a role in the offering of seats during the middle school process. It is truly in the best interest of our school community to complete these forms.
Please click the link above to access the form.
If you choose to opt out of completing the form and do not wish to provide your household information, please be sure to check the box as indicated in the displayed picture.
Thank you for your assistance! Nadia
JOIN PS 107 FOR THE PARK SLOPE CIVIC COUNCIL (PSCC) HALLOWEEN PARADE
The Park Slope Civic Council's annual Halloween Parade, “Be a SuperHero,” touches down this Friday, October 31. The Park Slope Halloween Parade is the largest children’s parade in NYC, and this year, PS 107 has been invited to join in the festivities by marching alongside Ms Joanna to represent our amazing school!
Open to people of all ages, the Park Slope Halloween Parade features bands, dancers, and costumed celebrants. It travels from 14th Street to Third Street, from 6:30 to 7:15 pm, then turns left to end at Washington Park where participants can enjoy performances from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
If you would like to join in the fun and march with PS 107, please meet us at the corner of 14th Street and 7th Avenue between 5:30 and 6 pm.
MARBLE HEALTH PARENT WORKSHOPS
Supporting Children Through Grief and Transition (click to register)
When: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 @ 8:00 PM
Register at https://www.marblehealth.com/parent-workshops 💙
DAY OF THE DEAD FAMILY CELEBRATION
Saturday, November 1st, 4-7 pm
Join Green-Wood's annual celebration of cultural tradition and remembrance! Enjoy free family-friendly activities, music, and performances honoring the holiday. Food will be available for purchase.
FIFTH GRADE BAKE SALE & PIZZA SALE! NOVEMBER 6th @ HALF DAY DISMISSAL!
The 5th grade committee will have a bake sale on the PTC half day, 11/6, at dismissal (11:30). We will be selling baked goods and pizza at each school exit, proceeds go to the 5th grade fund.
Cash and venmo accepted!
Come out and support our 5th Graders!
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
LOST & FOUND: Outside on November 6 at 8:20 and 11:30 am
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!
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.
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Responsibility
All classrooms are currently focusing on Responsibility, one of the core values in our new social-emotional learning curriculum, PurposeFull People. Responsibility is among the traits that help our students Be Kind, Be Well, and Be Strong.
Across grade levels, students are learning about taking action, making thoughtful choices, and understanding the impact of their behavior on others.
Families can read the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility, which includes activities and discussion prompts for home.
Previous Focus:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
SCHOOL NEWS
- Park Slope Civic Council (PSCC) Halloween Parade Sign Up - 10/31/25
- PSACC AFTERSCHOOL CLOSING EARLY HALLOWEEN! posted 10/26
- The Five Day Week - Fall Edition
- PS 107 PTA October Meeting Minutes link.
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- AFTERSCHOOL - Tips for Success
CLUBS AND MEETINGS:
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly 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
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Every Thursday at 7am, weather permitting, students in grades K-5 and their guardians are invited to join the legendary PS 107 Track Team for a weekly morning run in Prospect Park. TMTR will meet in front of PS 107 where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 30 minute run/trot/jog. No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
DEI COMMITTEE GATHERING(S)
The DEI Committee would like to invite participating parents and guardians who are interested in gathering in community for:
an evening at Brookvin (381 7th Ave, between 11th & 12th Streets) on Tuesday, November 18, at 8:00pm, and/or
morning coffee at Zatar (1201 8th Ave, between 12th & 13th Streets) on Friday, November 21, at 9am.
*Each month, the DEI Committee plans on holding one morning and one evening gathering to allow as many people to join as possible.
This is a great chance to meet fellow committee members and discuss plans for events and initiatives for the school year. If you have any questions, please contact committee co-chairs Samantha Manchester (samantha@ps107.org), and Alma Lacour (alma@ps107.org). Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the November PTA General Meeting on Thursday, November 20th, at 9am. The meeting will take place on zoom with details to follow.
*Missed the October PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here: PS 107 PTA Meeting Minutes link.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
This week, a PS 107 Family has pledged to anonymously match all Annual Fund gifts, dollar for dollar, until we reach $5,000. Here's how to donate:
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.
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:
Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
Bread Packages
Lunch Meat Packages
Eggs
Tortillas
Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
Microwavable meals
Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
Fruit Cups
Fresh Fruit
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and
Plastic cutlery
* IMPORTANT UPDATE - As funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is set to end on Nov. 1, we have received a recent request from CHiPS. Due to increased need, CHiPs would love assistince collecting the following in addition to their standard request list:
Paper towels
Lysol/clorox wipes
Ground coffee
Mac and cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Shelf stable milk (32oz)
Water (16.9 oz)
Canned beans
Pasta
Rice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Canned meats (tuna/sardine/chicken)
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Eggs
Butter
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.
PSCC HALLOWEEN PARADE
The Park Slope Civic Council's annual Halloween Parade, “Be a SuperHero,” touches down this Friday, October 31. This is the largest children’s parade in NYC and, this year, PS 107 has been invited to join the festivities by marching alongside Ms Joanna to represent our amazing school! If you would like to march with PS 107, please sign up on Konstella. We will meet at the corner of 14th Street and 7th Avenue between 5:30 and 6 pm. We hope to see you there!
BROOKLYN NETS GAME FUNDRAISER
The NBA is back! On Saturday, February 7th at 3pm, join us at the Barclays Center to cheer on the Brooklyn Nets while supporting our school at PS 107's annual fundraiser game. Tickets are $55 (lower level) or $30 (upper level), with $10 from every ticket going directly to the PTA. Purchase tickets here.
*Get your tickets by January 7, 2026 to get the best price and to guarantee your seats will be in the PS 107 reserved sections.
** Contact Nadia for scholarship information.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 31- Park Slope Halloween Parade - Please sign up on Konstella & walk with PS 107!
November 6
- Parent Teacher Conferences - Details to follow (Half Day! Students attend 8:20 to 11:35 am, No AFTERSCHOOL)
- 5th Grade Bake Sale and Pizza Sale at dismissal (11:35)
November 13 - PS 107 Middle School Panel - 7 pm (zoom link to register)
November 19 - Picture Retake Day
November 20 - PTA General Meeting 9am
December 13 - * NEW DATE* HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
WEEKLY EVENTS
Wednesday's Math Magic 7:30am (4th Floor)
Wednesday's CHiPS Food Drive 8:20 (main entrance)
Thursday's Thursday Morning Track Run 7am (meet at the main entrance)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
November 4 - Election Day - Student Non-Attendance Day
November 6 - Parent Teacher Conference Day - Half Day! Students attend 8:20 to 11:35 am (NO AFTERSCHOOL)
November 11 - Veteran's Day - School Closed
November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!