Dear PS 107 Families,
Today is the 20th day of school – we have been in school for one full month! As students become more comfortable in the school building, the typical “honeymoon” phase that comes with the start of a new year begins to wear off, and we start to see more challenging behaviors cropping up. In particular, we are seeing students misbehaving in the bathrooms, doing such things as (get ready!) standing on the toilets (a toilet in the 2nd floor boys’ bathroom is currently not functioning because of this); peeing on the toilet paper rolls (yes, it’s true!); and throwing wet towels and toilet paper around the bathroom. I reminded the entire school of proper bathroom behavior this morning during announcements. If you can reinforce the same message at home, that would be very much appreciated.
As often happens at this time of year, we are also seeing an increase in unkind behavior between children, a few of which have risen to the level of identity-based bias incidents and/or microaggressions. As a No Place for Hate school, PS 107 has no tolerance for these kinds of incidents, and we need them brought to our attention as soon as possible. As always, we address every incident thoroughly as soon as they come to our attention, and we will also be engaging in schoolwide education around bullying, identify-based bias, and microaggressions, throughout the school year.
The New York City Public Schools have a clear policy of Respect for All. According to the NYCPS website, we “maintain a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and/or bullying and from discrimination on account of actual or perceived race, color, citizenship/immigration status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or weight. The policy prohibits such behavior by students against other students and by staff against students.”
PS 107 has a designated Respect for All liaison, our school counselor, Sarah Green. If you have concerns about an incident that occurred involving your child – or an incident that occurred with another child that was reported to you, please reach out to Sarah Green at sgreen15@schools.nyc.gov to discuss it. At PS 107, we take every incident that’s reported to us very seriously.
In keeping with our Core Value of Compassion, our staff works hard to understand the root cause of all behaviors and treats these moments as teaching opportunities. When a student deeply understands what caused them to behave in the way that they did – and that what they did is wrong (and why), they are less likely to engage in such behaviors again. We also make every effort to match the consequence with the incident and to give every student the opportunity to repair the harm that they have caused to a fellow student or to the community. Please be aware that we are not permitted to discuss another child’s consequences with someone who is not their parent or guardian. For more information, please see the following documents:
NYCPS Citywide Behavioral Expectations (for other languages, click here)
PS 107 Parent/Caregiver Handbook (see section on Behavior + Discipline)
Chancellor’s Regulations A-832 and A-831 (A-832 tends to be more relevant to elementary school students, but we are asked to share both with families)
We strive to create a welcoming environment at PS 107 where all students and their families feel a sense of belonging. We are so grateful for the support of our parent community in echoing these values and teaching your children the importance of being accepting, inclusive, and kind.
OUR SCHOOL GARDEN
We have exciting news about our school garden! After being under the longtime stewardship of our afterschool program, and more specifically former 107 parent Jonathan Blumberg, the garden will transition to being managed by a partnership between PS 107 staff (our new PE teacher, Ms Ali) and a new PTA Gardening committee. There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about making improvements to our school garden (chickens anyone?!) and turning it into a learning space for all of our students during the school day. If you are interested in joining the Gardening Committee, please sign up here.
PS 107 DAY
As many of you know, we have celebrated PS 107 day – where students and staff members display their school spirit – annually on October 7th. However, given that October 7th is now a very painful date for many members of our community, we have made the decision to shift PS 107 day to January 7th going forward. As this difficult anniversary approaches, please feel free to reach out to our counseling team if your child should need any support. It is at these times that we remember the importance of empathy and understanding, and the PS 107 Core Value of Community. Our thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
THANK YOU PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Many thanks to Biba Milioto and Matt Schneider (and all of the parent volunteers who supported) for a fantastic and rain-free Movie Night on Friday, September 27th! And thank you to Alexandra Varipapa and her team of volunteers for making sure shirts were tucked, hair was smoothed, and smiles were radiant on Picture Day this past Monday. We could not do any of this without our phenomenal parent volunteers!
SEEKING PE VOLUNTEERS!
Would you like to volunteer during your child’s Physical Education classes? Please sign up for a training session with Ms Ali on Tuesday, October 8th at 3:30 pm on Zoom. If you cannot attend the session, please send an email to Ms Ali at aannunziato@schools.nyc.gov, and she will email you the recording. This year, we are looking for volunteers to support our Kindergarten through 5th grade PE classes. After the training, volunteer sign-ups will be on Konstella.
Finally, l’shanah tova to our families who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, over the next two days.
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
FIFTH GRADE & MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome letters for the Middle School admission process went home either yesterday or today.
- Middle School Enrollment Information
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024: Middle School Application Opens
- Friday, November 8, 2024: Deadline to register to test for Mark Twain I.S. 239 (21K239) and District 21 Talent Tests
- Friday, December 13, 2024: Middle School Application Closes
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025: Middle School Offer Release
- D15 Middle School List
- Click here to view the current middle school list for District 15. This year, you can apply to any middle school in the NYC area, however you receive priority here in the District 15.
- PS 107 Middle school information session with Sarah & Nadia
- Thursday 10/10/24 @ 7pm via zoom - Click here to register
- Middle School Virtual Admission Events
- Tuesday, October 15 - 5 to 6 pm
- Click this link to join event: Fall 2025 MS Admissions Virtual Event and enter the passcode 123456# - Click here to view interpretation options and instructions
- Tuesday, October 22 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Click this link to join event: Fall 2025 MS Admissions Virtual Event and enter the passcode 123456# - Click here to view interpretation options and instructions
- D15 Middle School Virtual Fair
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
- See photo and attached flyer for details
CAFETERIA SURVEY
Please provide your feedback regarding cafeteria offerings via this survey (available in all DOE languages).
Note: The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and will be open until December 13.
The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment.
One grand-prize winner from each of the five NYC boroughs will receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize, and their schools will receive a $10,000 grant designated for use in an arts-based initiative designed by each winner.
The nomination process is open until November 24, 2024.
Click here if you would like to nominate a teacher: https://flagaward.org/
LOST & FOUND - Updated 10/1/24
Special thank you to our new lost & found parent volunteer Larisa Fomovsky! It has become increasingly more challenging for me to maintain on my own and volunteer assistance is essential!
If you would like to add to the effort, please contact me at: nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov .
We ask families to please label your child's belongings with their first and last name.
Please be sure to check for your child's lost items in this virtual lost & found document: Did You Lose Me?
*If you see an item you now have in your possession, please just ignore the picture in the document
NYCPS / DISTRICT 15 / COMMUNITY
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOPS
NYC READS: CURRICULUM ROLLOUT
- Join members of the District 15 team for an information session about new curriculum shifts.
- Learn about the benefits of a knowledge-building curriculum paired with robust foundational skills (phonics and phonemic awareness) programs, and how these are designed to meet the needs of a range of learners.
- We will share how we’ve been preparing for this shift and how we’ll continue to support schools during the rollout.
Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 10:00 am - * Zoom Link Click Here
LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
This 7 part series will share ideas & strategies to positively support your child's behavior at home.
Join us Friday's at 12pm : 10/11 & 25, Nov 8 & 22 , Dec 6 & 20
Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/93903954056?pwd=GKhLyG6NlUSeb9gw0fvNlO1339A2X3.1#success
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, and 5; please keep an eye out for an email with registration information and specifics for your child’s grade.
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 or 4? Sign up using the link here.
MATH MAGIC
Everyone’s favorite MatheMagical pregame is BACK! 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!
PARENTS SUPPORTING SPECIAL EDUCATION (PSSE) MEETING
The next PSSE Meeting will take place Thursday, October 10th from 12-1pm on Zoom. Can't attend but would love to help? Donate items from our PSSE Amazon Wishlist for the 'Sensory Toolbox' that will be used at PTA events like Fall Festival, and/or check out our PSSE September Newsletter for more ways to get involved.
AAPI AFFINITY GROUP MIXER
The AAPI affinity group will be holding a mixer for adults at Little Honey (474 7th Avenue) on Thursday, October 10th at 6pm. Participants will gather in the Little Honey backyard where food, wine, and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Space is limited so please RSVP using the link here. We would love to meet parents and guardians of PS 107 children who identify as AAPI! If you have any questions or would like to reach out, please contact group co-leads sowoon@gmail.com, kobayashi.y@gmail.com, and neetamenon1@gmail.com.
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us on Thursday, October 17th from 6:30-7:30pm for our second PTA General Meeting of the school year. The agenda will be shared prior to the meeting; please use this zoom link to join. We hope to see you there!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Thanks to many in our community, we’ve exceeded our $10,000 matching gift challenge! THANK YOU to everyone who participated and to the two PS 107 families who anonymously matched your donations.
Due to your incredible outpouring of support, the Annual Fund is in great shape for this point in the year, but we still have a long way to go toward our goal of $210,000.
If you haven’t yet made your gift, 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.
TEA COLLECTION FUNDRAISER
The Tea Collection School Days Fundraiser is back! Use the promo code SDF24PS107 (valid until Sunday, October 8th) to shop Tea Collection and get 20% off! After you check out, 15% of your purchase price will be donated BACK to the PS 107 PTA. It's a win-win.
OWN A LOCAL BUSINESS? LIST IT ON KONSTELLA
If you own a local business and want to advertise to the families of our 540+ students, consider listing on Konstella. Businesses that offer a promotion to our community typically pay $259 per year and Konstella donates 50% of the earnings to our school. Participating businesses are advertised on the Konstella app and website, appear on all school wide emails, and a dedicated email featuring sponsoring businesses is sent to all users four times per year.
To register, visit https://www.konstella.com/business/introduction/plans and select PS107.
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
o Plastic cutlery
PLASTIC BOTTLE COLLECTION
Please help the PSSE Committee collect 400 plastic Bottles by Friday, October 18th for the Fall Festival Mindfulness Activity.
Drop-off clear, rinsed bottles (with labels removed) with cap/lids (6-32oz) to the main lobby collection box during morning drop-off or at 'Family Morning' on October 11th. Collection boxes will also be available outside on Wednesday mornings.
Thank you for your support and contribution!
FALL FESTIVAL
Tickets are now on sale for the unbe-leaf-able Fall Festival! Join us on Saturday, October 19th from 12-4pm as we take over 14th St and the Big Yard with food, music, games, inflatables, pumpkin painting, and more! Get your tickets here; we recommend purchasing in advance to avoid lines at the door.
Want to lend a hand? Volunteer to donate cookies for the bake sale, enter the pie contest, lead an activity table, sell tickets, assist with clean-up, and much more using the link here.
STOOP CRAWL
The 2024 Stoop Crawl, PS 107’s beloved adult’s only traveling cocktail party, will be on Friday, October 25th.
The event is reliant on the warm hospitality of host families so if you can open your home, stoop, garden, roof deck, courtyard, or even offer to pick up the tab at a local bar, please consider being a host and email Alyse Dosik (alyselaw@gmail.com) for information.
Can't host but would love to attend? No problem, register and get your tickets here.
BROOKLYN NETS
Attention all basketball fans! On Sunday, November 3rd at 3:30pm, please join the PS 107 community in cheering on the Brooklyn Nets as they take on the Detroit Pistons at the Barclays Center. On top of enjoying an NBA game, you will also help raise funds for our school. Purchase your tickets by tomorrow, Thursday, October 3rd at 12pm to lock in the best price and reserve your spot in the group section.
After the game, our group will have the awesome opportunity to play on the Barclay's Center court for a full hour! Tickets can be purchased here; $10 from each ticket will support PS 107.
If you need financial assistance to attend the game, please contact parent coordinator, Nadia Benlarbi (nbenlarbi@schools.nyc.gov). Reach out to Rebecca (rcetta@gmail.com) with questions.
Note: Tickets will still be available after October 3rd but with different prices/locations. Details and link to follow.
