Lions Ledger
November 24-28, 2025
Dear Seth Low IS 96 Families,
We are officially in the second month of 2026!
Last week, our 7th grade students in Ms. Johnson’s Humanities classes participated in Roundtables, where they showcased their learning through a college‑style essay and presentation. Students explored the impact of the American Revolution on different groups of people, highlighting unheard voices and the ways they fought for independence. They wrote essays, presented their work, engaged in thoughtful discussions, and offered one another meaningful “glows and grows.” This was a true example of enhancing rigor within the classroom and elevating student voice. Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for planning such a powerful learning experience, and thank you to all the teachers who volunteered their time to support students with meaningful feedback.
Another exciting moment from last week: one of our very own 8th‑grade students, Harry Chen, wrote a letter to President Trump about the importance of improving the cleanliness of public transportation in New York. President Trump wrote back to express his appreciation and excitement that Harry will be one of the future leaders of our country. This is yet another example of how we, as a school, empower students to put their voices into action.
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, I met with the Student Council. The students developed several innovative proposals to support our school community and make it an even more engaging environment. Some of their ideas included creating a “Homework Hub” during afterschool hours to help our students' complete assignments, as well as hosting monthly “Movie and Pizza” days for the top five students in each class with the most PRIDE points. I was incredibly impressed—not only by their ideas, but by the thoughtful explanations they offered about how each proposal would positively impact the school community. Thank you, Ms. Agostino, for guiding our students through the process and providing them with the tools needed to develop their proposals.
On Friday, January 30, 2026, we held our very first Attendance Improvement: Muffins with Monfasani breakfast to celebrate all students who showed at least a 5% attendance improvement compared to last year. A huge thank you to AP Fanas, Community School Director Sharea Thomas, and Parent Coordinator Brenda Morales‑Salas for coordinating this wonderful event. We are also grateful to our SAPIS Counselor, Shana Palladino, for capturing the moment through video and photographs. This celebration was a meaningful way to recognize our students’ hard work, highlight their commitment to coming to school every day, and reinforce the importance of consistent attendance. We are so proud of our students and look forward to continuing this tradition!
Looking Ahead
Wednesday, February 4 – i‑Ready ELA Middle of Year Diagnostic (Periods 1–4)
Friday, February 6 – College Fair and 7th Grade Assembly
Monday, February 9 – Friday, February 13- Respect For All Week
Friday, February 13 – ½ Day for Students (Dismissal at 11:05 AM)
Monday, February 16 – Friday, February 20 – Midwinter Recess (Schools Closed)
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Seth Low a place where every student thrives.
Cheers to creating limitless opportunities for our students and families.
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
Tuesday
02/03- Boys Varsity vs 98 @4pm
Borough Qualifier Spelling Bee, Bay Academy @ 4pm
Wednesday
- i‑Ready ELA Middle of Year Diagnostic (Periods 1–4)
02/04 Varsity Girls vs 99 @4pm
Thursday
Friday
- College Fair in the 3rd floor gym from 11-2
Saturday
- Adult Education 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
All Grades
7th Grade Event
8th Grade Activities
Parent's Strategy Guide for the 2026 SHSAT Admission Cycle
Click below to access information to help you understand the new digital SHSAT.
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Winners for January are classes are 610, 717, and 815
Winning classes will receive a pizza party this week in their math classes.
Students, log on at home to increase your grade-level skills and your chance of winning. Good luck!
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
6th grade
7th grade
8th grade
Review and quiz this week.
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
Click on THIS LINK to sign up for free parent workshops. All workshops are held online via Zoom and developed by clinician and researcher Annie Graham. Live captioning is available in 35 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, French and Russian.
This week:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ 8:00 PM
Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication
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 top four spellers are:
4th place- Clarissa Ngai- Class 816
3rd place- Matthew Shumway- Class 614
2nd place- Michael McEwan- Class 710
1st place- Edwin Duan- Class 716
The top two spellers will be advancing to the Borough Qualifier on February 3rd.
We would also like to send a special thank you to all of the teachers who hosted the class level bees, to staff for supporting in various aspects, and to families for encouraging their children. We are so proud of all of our spellers.
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
THIS WEEK
02/03- Boys Varsity vs 98 @4pm
02/04- Girls Varsity vs 99 @4pm
UPCOMING GAMES
02/10- Boys JV vs 51 @4pm
02/11- Girls Varsity vs 281 @4pm
02/24- Boys Vars vs 468 @4pm
02/28- Girls Varsity vs 187 @4pm
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.
Theater
In our general classes, we have just wrapped our first unit on ensemble—learning to work together and build a community of trust in order to create bold stories.
Theater Elective students just completed their very first on-camera “screen tests” and are now diving into rehearsals for our upcoming student film, Finding Alice, a filmed adaptation of Alice in Wonderland created by 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Theater Elective students.
We're so proud of the creativity and confidence our students are already showing, and we can’t wait to share their work with you!
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.
