Dear PS 107 Families,
This week’s message is mainly devoted to encouraging you to complete the NYC School Survey! The NYC School Survey is sent out annually to school staff and families, and it’s a very important way in which PS 107 gets feedback about how we are doing as a school – and what we can improve. It is very important for us to hear from as many of our families as possible! Thus far, this year, 47% of family surveys have been completed. Last year, in 2024, 63.4% of family surveys were completed. Can we aim to match last year’s percentage? If we reach 85% participation, we’ll be eligible for a NYC School Survey Response Rate Award!
The survey deadline was recently extended to April 11th, so you still have time! The easiest way to take the survey is online at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Once there, you’ll need to enter the letter “f” (lowercase) followed by your child’s student identification number (OSIS), which can be found on their report card, in Operoo, or in their NYCSA account. You should complete a survey for each child enrolled at PS 107.
We have a special incentive for classes that have 95% participation in the survey from their parents/guardians: a pizza party in the classroom! Thus far, we know that one class has met this goal – Ms Marybeth and Ms Hunt’s class, 4-308! Congratulations! Ms Gina and Ms Abby’s class, 2-203, and Ms Jenn and Ms Renee’s class, 4-307, are also close to meeting this goal. Who else will join them in having a special pizza party?
WELCOME SHAKUR HERBIN!
I’d like to introduce you to a new PE volunteer, Mr Shakur! Shakur Herbin hails from the Bronx where he was a student of Ms. Ali’s at the Bronx Academy of Letters. He was a top ten varsity basketball player in the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) and received scholarship offers from multiple Division I colleges. He ultimately played college basketball at Hostos Community College and then moved overseas to play for a professional team in Iceland. Shakur is currently a part-time college student, majoring in physics, and he works part-time at Chase Bank. Shakur is generously donating his time on Fridays to support our PE basketball unit, which just began.
REMINDER: NYS TESTING FOR GRADES 3-5
As a reminder, NYS testing is around the corner for students in grades 3-5.Testing dates are as follows:
NYS English Language Arts (ELA) test
Grade 3 (paper-based test): Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday, April 30th
Grades 4+5 (computer-based test): Thursday, April 24th and Friday, April 25th
NYS Math test
Grades 3 (paper-based test): Wednesday, May 7th and Thursday, May 8th
Grade 4+5 (computer-based test): Monday, May 12th and Tuesday, May 13th
NYS Science test (5th grade only, computer-based test)
Wednesday, May 14th
As noted last week, parents have the right to refuse the NYS tests for their children in 3rd-5th grades. According to the NYC Public Schools testing Student Participation Guide (en español; на русском языке), parents should reach out to the principal if they would like to refuse state testing for their child. If, after that conversation, parents still wish to opt their children out of the exams, we will respect your decision. We must maintain a written record of this at school. Please feel free to connect with your child’s teacher first if you are considering opting them out, to discuss the pros and cons. It is best if you do not wait until the night before – or the morning of – the tests to let us know that you are opting out your child from testing. 🙏🏼 Thank you!
NO DOGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Finally, a safety reminder: dogs are not permitted on school property, and that includes being tied to the fence outside of our school unattended. This presents a real safety concern as there is always the possibility that a dog will get spooked by a passer-by and become aggressive. Thank you for remembering this important rule. It keeps all of us safe.
Once again, please take a few moments to give us your feedback on the NYC School Survey – and have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES
Thank you to Dr. Erica Miller for the valuable, thought provoking, informative (and validating!) workshop series 🧡
The Talk with Rachel Lotus
Our next parent workshop is The Talk with Rachel Lotus on April 22, 2025 at 6:30 pm here in the school. In this talk for parents and educators, sexuality educator Rachel Lotus will discuss all of this and more. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable steps, practical help with language, and developmentally appropriate resources.
*Click here to RSVP
2025 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY! PIZZA PARTY INCENTIVE!
The 2025 NYC School Survey administration window has been extended and will now close on Friday, April 11.
This year, the PTA has agreed to once again sponsor a pizza party for the classes that achieve a 95% completion rate!
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- When will the survey launch? The survey will close on Friday, April 11, 2025.
- How can you take the survey? Families can take the survey online OR by completing a paper survey that was sent home. Families should use a lower case "f" followed by their child's OSIS number as an access code when taking the survey online.
- Where do you take the survey online? Everyone can access the survey at nycschoolsurvey.org. You only need to click on the button that says, "Take the NYC School Survey." Then you can enter your access code.
We look forward to hearing from you!
DISTRICT 15 SCHOOL EVENTS
P.S. 295 Fitness Day – April 26, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
We will have activities for children and a prize for all those who complete the course. We are working on providing healthy snacks from the Office of Food and Nutrition Service (NYC DOE) and collateral from the Brooklyn Nets. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please register to ensure we have enough supplies for all.
FAMILY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE : SEARCHING FOR NEW DATES!
Please help us find new dates for the Family Leadership Institute, a powerful and meaningful workshop by completing this survey.
The workshops will help you and your family learn how to communicate better with your children, school, and community.
Come join us for action, motivation, and inspiration!
LOST & FOUND - Updated 4-1-25
Please be advised that clothing will go out for donation before our Spring Recess!
Please check this document for some updated pictures : 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
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING VOTE WEEK!
Make your voice heard and vote in Participatory Budgeting from Saturday, March 29th - Sunday, April 6th!
If you live in or have a special connection (go to school, work, etc) in City Council District 39, you can vote on how to spend $1.5 million on projects to improve our community. Everyone age 11 and older can vote, regardless of citizenship or voter registration status. Projects have been proposed by community members to respond to important needs in our neighborhoods. This year there are proposals addressing local educational, economic justice, arts & culture, and environmental issues.
Participatory Budgeting gives people a real say in how real money is spent! Vote on the digital ballot at vote.pbnyc.org or vote in person.
Come to the PB Expo on Sunday, 4/6, at Powerhouse Arts from 2 to 4 PM to learn about the projects from volunteers. You can also see details and the full in-person voting schedule on the website and read about the projects on the ballot in our project zine.
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
MATH REIMAGINED: WHAT'S CHANGED AND HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Presented by: The District 15 Math Instructional Team
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Virtual Platform: Zoom Link - https://zoom.us/j/7268853826?pwd=N0hhMDZCSzZ2NUtvNEJLSGpoYUNoZz09&omn=98513435339
*Interpretation will be available in Spanish and Mandarin.
D15 VIRTUAL TOWNHALL WITH SUPERINTENDENT ALVAREZ
Join us for an informative evening featuring district updates from the Superintendent and a presentation on Foundational Literacy Skills by members of the District Team.
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Scan the QR Code or click link below to join:
https://tinyurl.com/D15Townhall3
*Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.
CEC 15 CANDIDATE FORUM
- CEC 15 Candidate Forum Recording from Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- CEC 15 Candidate Forum Recording from Monday, March 17, 2025
CEC 15 BUSINESS MEETING
This meeting will be held in person with a livestream option via zoom, please register now using the following link: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtf-2orzojG9QmUsuZ5LID3TCbL5gqDnKE
Date: Tuesday, April 8th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: 131 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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, 4, and 5. Please check Konstella for grade level messages with details about meetings. 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? Sign up using the link here.
MATH MAGIC
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!
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Track is back! Thursday mornings, rain or shine, students and 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 each Thursday at 7am, where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 45 minute run/trot/jog. No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS: A WORKSHOP ON NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Join Dr. Kluger and the team at Interactive Discovery on Thursday, April 24th at 9am for a parent-focused workshop that explores the role of neuropsychological assessments in supporting a child's learning journey. In "Supporting All Learners," participants will learn what neuropsychological assessments are and how they can be of benefit, explore different learning profiles and how they impact education, and discover ways to interpret assessment results and collaborate with educators for effective support. This workshop offers insights and practical tips to empower you as a parent in navigating your child's educational path. It will be available both in-person in the cafeteria of PS 107 and live-streamed. Find out more on Konstella.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Please contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are 10K away from reaching our fundraising goal for this year, please help get us over the finish line! 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.
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
SPRING AUCTION GALA - THIS FRIDAY
The Spring Auction Gala, will be held this Friday, April 4th, 7:00pm - 12:00am at the Prospect Park Picnic House. Tickets are sold out. If you have a ticket and can no longer attend, please email auction@ps107.org so that we can offer your ticket to the next person on the waitlist.
If you would like to join the waitlist, please email auction@ps107.org.
Online Auction: NOW - April 4th @ 12:00pm
The opening act to the Gala has begun! Bid on some fantastic items from local businesses on the auction website. Share the link with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. Thanks to the generous donors, 100% of purchases goes to the PTA.
SPRING SPORTS:
BROOKLYN CYCLONES
Watch the Cyclones play the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Sunday, May 4th at 2pm. If we buy 250 tickets one person from our group can throw out the first pitch and another announce for an inning (to be decided by lottery). Tickets are $20 with $7 from each ticket going to the PTA. Purchase here. Contact Rebecca with questions.
NY LIBERTY
Don't miss NY Liberty's game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, June 1st at 3pm. Fewer than 60 tickets are still available. Tickets are $50 or $55, with $10 from each ticket going to the PTA. Purchase here. Contact Rebecca with questions.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
EARTH MONTH POSTER DISPLAY
After school's 'Art Naturally' class will be making Earth Month posters to share around the school! We need some adults to help hang them with the kids. This is a short (1 hour) and fun way to hang out with the kids, see the posters, and promote our care of the Earth! Please join us on Thursday, April 3rd at the following times: Art Naturally Students in Grades 3-5 @ 3:50pm, Art Naturally students in Grades 1-2 @ 4:45pm. Please sign up on Konstella.
SPRING PLANTING
Join Ms. Ali to ready the PS107 garden! We will be planting seedlings on Saturday, April 5th, from 9-11am. Come join us at the 13th street garden entrance for a fun morning to gather and prepare the garden for Spring! Adults and children welcome, all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sign up here, on Konstella. (If it rains, we will cancel and notify via Konstella... fingers crossed for good weather!)
PARK CLEAN-UP
The PTA's Green Committee has organized another wonderful volunteering opportunity for PS 107 students: On Sunday, April 6th, from 1-3pm, students can help gather litter from a chosen section of the park. Bring gloves, bags, sanitizer (or trash grabbers if you have them)... and your sense of fun! Students ages 4 and up are invited to participate, all students must be accompanied by an adult. To volunteer, please sign up here, on Konstella. Volunteers will meet at the 9th street entrance, we hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please contact kajalpatelbelow@gmail.com.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
For Teacher Appreciation Week, Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 9th, we recognize PS 107's fantastic teachers and staff with a week-long celebration that includes daily treats and surprises - including PS 107's famed pot luck! One amazing volunteer has already stepped forward to help plan the event, but she needs your help! If you are able to lend a hand to help organize this week long celebration of our amazing teachers, please reach out to amber@ps107.org for additional details. (Volunteers will have the full support of our PTA for any help needed as well as a modest budget to cover expenses.) Thank you for your support!
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
Please click here for the complete 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school year calendars.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
March 29 to April 6 - Participatory Budgeting Vote Week
April 2 - Kindergarten Offers are released
April 4 - Spring Auction Gala 7pm
April 4 & 5 - D15 Musical - The Lion King Jr Performance
April 8 - D15 Family Workshop - MATH REIMAGINED: WHAT'S CHANGED AND HOW YOU CAN HELP? 10 am to 11 am
April 9 - Middle School Offers are released (after school hours)
April 11 - Family Morning 8:20 am
April 11 *NEW - School Surveys Close
April 22 - Virtual Townhall with Superintendent Alvarez 6 - 7 pm
April 22 - Save the Date! The Talk Workshop with Rachel Lotus 6:30 to 7:30 pm (in person)
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
April 14 to April 18 - Spring Recess (School Closed)