The Wednesday Weekly
November 5, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
As we turn the page from October to November, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many things that make our community so special — the kindness, creativity, and dedication that flow through every classroom, every event, and every shared experience. It’s in that spirit of community that I share some bittersweet news.
Ms. Ali, our Physical Education teacher, will be leaving PS 107 at the beginning of December.
During her time at PS 107, Ms. Ali has made an extraordinary impact on our community in a very short period. She completely transformed our school garden, introduced chickens who are thriving and delighting our students daily, and brought creativity and innovation to our Physical Education program. She’s also mentored a newer PE teacher, Mr. Mark, and helped expand opportunities for active play and outdoor learning across the grades.
In the coming weeks, we'll be making plans for the next chapter of our Physical Education program, as well as working with our Gardening Committee to ensure the continued care of both the garden and the chickens.
We’re deeply grateful to Ms. Ali for her many contributions to PS 107 and wish her all the best as she moves on from teaching in the NYC schools.
A Basketball Surprise!
Many of our 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders had a special treat today — a basketball clinic with youth coaches from the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty! The sessions took place during PE periods at the Armory and were a huge hit.
We’re grateful to District 15 Superintendent Rafael Alvarez for organizing this wonderful experience for our students.
Half-Day Tomorrow for Parent-Teacher Conferences
A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, November 6th, 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 ensure your children are picked up at 11:35 am.
Please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) if you have any questions about your scheduled conference time.
Academic Screener Results
Your child’s beginning-of-year academic screener results in reading and math are coming home today, Wednesday, November 5th, in their homework folders. Attached to their results, you’ll find a letter from me explaining:
the purpose of the screeners,
what skills they measure, and
how to interpret the results.
You may wish to discuss these results during conferences, but please remember they are just one indicator of student performance. Your child’s teacher will be able to provide a broader, more holistic picture of their learning and growth.
Upcoming Safety Drill
We will conduct our fourth of six Evacuation (Fire) Drills during the week of November 10th. To learn more about NYC Public Schools emergency-readiness protocols, please visit here.
Candy Collection Continues!
If you still have extra Halloween candy at home, we’d love to take it off your hands! We like to keep the staff break room (also our conference room) stocked with treats to help our hardworking staff power through their days.
Please drop off any candy donations with Nadia in the main office. Thank you for spreading a little sweetness!
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Your involvement makes PS 107 the vibrant, caring community that it is.
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
FIFTH GRADE UPDATES
Click here for the latest parent newsletter.
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!
NYC KIDS RISE : SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM UPDATE
Initial Opt-out Period
From Monday, November 3rd to Wednesday, December 3rd newly eligible families–all kindergarten and newly enrolled first through fourth grade families*--have the opportunity to opt out of receiving a NYC Scholarship Account.
*New* We will host a workshop on Thursday, November 13 at 12:45 pm via zoom. A representative from Kids Rise will present and answer questions on the program for all of our eligible families.
*Please register here for the event: Kids Rise 101: Learn About the Save for College Program!
Please see additional program documentation below:
- Save for College Program Intro Document
- Parents/guardians who wish to opt out can do so within their NYC Schools Account (recommended); OR by returning a signed opt-out form (see below)
- Opt-out Notice and Form
If you wish to receive an NYC Scholarship Account for your child, no additional steps are necessary. You will receive information in January about how to activate and view your child’s NYC Scholarship Account.
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.
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!
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
Presented by the D15 ELA Instructional Team
Monday, November 17, 2025 6:00pm - 07:00pm
*Click this Link to join
Please take a look at this video from the last Family Workshop!
CEC 15
A Town Hall Event with Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Monday, December 1st - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In Person: Brooklyn High School of the Arts Auditorium
Town Hall will also be live streamed. Please register for this event at the following link: https://learndoe.org/cec/
*Don’t miss this excellent opportunity. Issues and concerns will be addressed.
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
- 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!
PSSE MONTHLY MEETING
The Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) Monthly Committee Meeting for November will take place on Thursday, November 13, from 12 – 1 PM. Dr. Alyssa Goodman of E&R Psychology will join for a discussion about sensory needs and sensory processing. This monthly meeting welcomes all families—whether or not they have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a diagnosis, or are simply looking to connect and learn more about special education. All are welcome!
Location: Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 972 9035 0410
Dial-In: +1 646 931 3860
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
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.
SENSORY TOOLS WISHLIST
In support of PS107’s mission to help all students thrive, please consider purchasing a wish list item to provide extra support for our ICT classrooms. Our goal is to support all our classrooms with the sensory tools our students need, beginning with our ICT classrooms. Tools requested are including but not limited to: flexible seating, noise-cancelling headphones, writing support tools, desk bands. See the wishlists here, on Konstella.
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
* UPDATE - As funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been suspended and need has increased, CHiPs would love assistance 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.
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.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter and save the date for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. On Friday, February 6, from 6-10pm, you can sing live band karaoke with The Occasionalists at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) -- or simply dance, drink and cheer on the talent. This event is open to everyone so if you have friends or family who would love a night out and to support PS 107, please invite them to save the date, too!
DISNEY ON ICE
Save the date: On Sunday, February 1st, at 1pm, join PS 107 families at the Barlcays Center where Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a fast-paced, family-friendly production that follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle’s enchanted chandelier, sing with Elsa, and watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises - all while raising money for the PTA. Featuring spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, this is sure to be an event to remember!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SOUNDPROOFING HELP IN THE CAFETERIA
Help Us Explore Cafeteria Soundproofing: We’re looking for a parent/guardian with soundproofing or acoustics expertise to partner with Principal Joanna on exploring options to reduce noise in our cafeteria. If you have experience in acoustics, building materials, or facilities sound solutions—and can offer advice or light consult—please email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org. Thank you!
GRADE LEVEL BOOK CLUBS ARE BACK!
Love books and building community? PS 107 Book Clubs are gearing up for another great year—and we’re looking for a few volunteers to help make it happen! We’re currently seeking a Book Club Director — a simple, low-lift coordination role that helps organize meeting schedules and support grade-level book club leads. A few grades may also have openings for Book Club Leads (or co-leads) to help plan and host their grade’s monthly book club gatherings. If you’re interested in helping out — whether as the Book Club Director or a grade-level lead — we’d love to hear from you! Email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org to learn more or sign up.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
- Kids Rise 101: Learn about the Save for College Program! -12:45 pm
- PS 107 Middle School Panel - 7 pm (zoom link to register)
November 17 - D15 Family Workshop
November 19 - Picture Retake Day
November 20 - PTA General Meeting 9am
December 1 -Chancellor Town Hall
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 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!