Lions Ledger
November 10-14, 2025
Dear Seth Low I.S. 96 Families,
What an exciting week filled with so much Seth Low PRIDE!
On Thursday, November 5, 2025, we welcomed future Lions and their families into our building to showcase what makes our school truly special. The student performances were inspiring and uplifting, beautifully embodying our commitment to always putting students first. We are so proud of the vibrant, inclusive, and student-centered environment we continue to build here at Seth Low.
6th Grade Pajama Movie Night
On Monday, November 10, 2025, the PTA will host a Pajama Movie Night for 6th graders from 5:00–7:00 PM (please note the correction from AM to PM). Students are invited to come with their families and enjoy a movie alongside their peers. Pizza, juice, and popcorn will be provided.
WordGen Launch
Starting Monday, November 10, 2025, during WIN periods, we will begin our WordGen initiative as Soapbox comes to a close. WordGen uses compelling topics to engage middle school students in meaningful academic language development across all content areas.
SHSAT Testing – 8th Grade
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 8th grade students registered for the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) should report to school by 7:30 AM for breakfast and enter their testing rooms by 7:45 AM.
Soapbox Showcase
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Soapbox winners from each class will present their speeches during periods 2–4 in the auditorium. Four runners-up from each class will serve as the audience, and families of the winners will be invited to attend. We will celebrate a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner from each grade.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Also on Thursday, November 13, 2025, we will hold afternoon and evening Parent-Teacher Conferences. There will be a half-day for students, with dismissal at 11:03 AM. Teachers should be reaching out via Talking Points to provide you with a time slot. If you have not heard from a teacher, please reach out via Talking Points or email.
High School Applications – 8th Grade Families
High School Applications are due by December 3, 2025. If you have any questions or need guidance or support, please contact our 8th grade guidance counselor, Edon Gjonbalaj, at extension 1211 or via email at EGjonbalaj2@schools.nyc.gov.
Cheers to another week of providing our students with limitless opportunities!
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
Monday
- 6th grade movie night hosted by PTA
Tuesday
- Veteran's Day- students do not attend school
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
- Turkey Giveaway- pick up at school
- SHSAT Exam
- Nest Open House 5:30-7:00 P.m.
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Thursday:
- Turkey Giveaway- pick up at school
- Parent/Teacher Conference
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Friday
- PERMISSION SLIP DUE for Bowling Trip #2 for classes 812, 814, 815, 816, 818, 821, 822
Saturday
- Adult Education: 9:00-2:00
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Congratulations to the winning Classes for October- classes 716. They celebrated with a pizza party on November 7th.
Competition for November is going strong. Students, log on to build your skills and your chance of winning. Good luck to all classes.
All after-school programs are from 2:45-4:45.
- Broadway Junior - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Debate - Thursdays
- Beginner ENL Support - (2:30- 3:45) Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (from 11/5/25 to 5/7/26), all eligible students please return your permission slips
- Basketball Team - BOYS - Tuesdays
- Basketball Team - GIRLS - Wednesdays
- Art Therapy - Fridays
Additional after school programs beginning December 9th and will continue through May 7th.
Students will need to complete and return a Seth Low and Beacon permission slip.
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
Apply to Serve on Student Council by November 7th
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
Super-short Spooky Story Contest
Sending a big thank you to everyone who entered the Spooky Story contest- our judges enjoyed reading all of them.
Congratulations to the winners:
6th grade- Brody Bauld from 614
7th grade- Sabrina Norkylova from 718
8th grade- Musfira Ahmed from 816
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.
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
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
Games begin the first week of December. The schedule will be posted closer to game day.
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
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.
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.
🎄 In Rehearsal: Getting into the spirit early with a fun set of holiday music.
