The Wednesday Weekly
March 11, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
Our school community has moved into a new and important chapter of our PurposeFull People character education curriculum: the value of Honesty. It is a rich and nuanced value to explore with young children, and I have loved visiting classrooms recently to witness students grappling with some genuinely hard questions — like how to be honest AND kind at the same time.
In one classroom, students were wrestling with a scenario that will feel very familiar to anyone who has spent time on a playground: what do you say when a peer asks if you want to play with them, and you would rather not? A blunt "I don't want to play with you!" tends to lead to hurt feelings and conflict (and I can personally vouch for that, as someone who is often called in to help resolve exactly these situations during recess!). After some thoughtful discussion, students came up with something much more skillful: "I'd rather not play what you're playing today — maybe we can play together later this week?" Of course, this only works when it's genuinely true — and the even trickier question of how to respond when you truly don't want to play with someone at all is still ahead of us. But watching children think carefully about honesty, kindness, and the feelings of others was a real joy.
For more on our Honesty module, please take a look at the PurposeFull People parent newsletter here, which includes activities that you can do at home as a family to reinforce this value. And feel free to reach out to your child's teacher to learn more about what their specific grade is exploring.
A Note on Trading Cards at School
It appears that Pokémon have been quietly invading PS 107 — and while we deeply admire the enthusiasm, it is time to call them back to their Poké Balls at home.
We have noticed a growing number of students bringing trading cards (Pokémon and otherwise) to school. As noted in our Parent Handbook, trading cards are not permitted at school — and lately, they have been causing quite a bit of excitement at lunch and recess. It turns out that debating the relative power levels of Charizard versus Pikachu is, shall we say, not the most peaceful lunchtime activity. This policy extends to afterschool as well, so please leave the cards at home for the full day.
We completely understand the appeal: these cards are exciting, and your kids have great taste! But to keep the school day smooth and conflict-free, we ask that all trading cards stay safely at home. Thank you so much for your partnership in reinforcing this with your children. We promise recess will be a lot calmer for it.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead. Spring is coming — I can feel it!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP: MAKE MATH FUN at HOME
We recently held a Math Workshop presented by Ed Schulz, PS 107 5th grade math teacher and math leader.
March 4 Workshop: Grades K to 2
Here is the presentation for grades K - 2 : Family Math K to 2
This is the video from the presentation: Make Math Fun at Home (K to 2)
March 11 Workshop: Grades 3 to 5
Here is the presentation for grades 3 to 5 : Family Math 3 to 5
This is the video from the presentation: Make Math Fun at Home (3 to 5)
NYCPS MARCH FAMILY UPDATE
This month’s letter features important information about Summer Rising, high school offers for fall 2026, Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs), Civics Week, and the NYC School Survey.
2026 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY!
The 2026 NYC School Survey administration window is OPEN! We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year. The paper survey was backpacked home yesterday.
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- When will the survey launch? The survey will launch on Monday, February 9 and continue through Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- How can you take the survey? Families may complete the survey online or on paper. For online surveys, families use a lowercase “f” followed by their child’s OSIS number as their access code.
- Where do you take the survey online? Beginning February 9, a link to the survey will be available at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Families should click “Take the 2026 NYC School Survey” and enter their access code.
DID SOMEBODY SAY PIZZA PARTY?!?
Once again, the PTA has agreed to sponsor a pizza party for the classes that achieve a 95% completion rate for the NYC School Survey :)
Win this party for your child's class and complete the survey!
Thank you to the PTA for their generosity 🫶
NYC KIDS RISE SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM
All students grades K-4 are eligible to participate in the NYC KIDS RISE Save for College program. The next step is to activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account to see the funds already saved for their future college and career dreams – no personal information is required! Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward for activating it.
Activate your child’s account by following the steps below or by watching this short video guide.
- Go to nyckr.org/act-now
- Enter your child’s ZIP code, birthdate, and Student ID or OSIS number, then click Submit
- Enter your name, email, and create a password
- Read and accept the Terms of Use, then click Create User Profile
*If you are not interested in activating this account, please opt out of the program by doing so through your NYC Schools Account.
After logging into NYCSA, you should look at the main screen with all of the tiles.
You can click on the “Postsecondary Planning'' tile, then click on the button on the next page that says “NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program.”
After this you can review Program information and make the choice to opt out.
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. 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.
LOST & FOUND:
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!
SCHOOL NEWS
- FIFTH GRADE UPDATES - MARCH EDITION
- Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
PS 58 FRANCOPHONE FESTIVAL
When: Sunday, March 15, 11am - 6pm
Where: PS 58 / 330 Smith Street, Brooklyn
Feature-length and short family films in French (with English subtitles)
French-language book fair and children's author visit
Musical performances including PS 58 students
International food and bake sale
Photo Booth, arts and crafts, and more!
Proceeds will support the PS58 PTA in the 2026-2027 school year
Please note this is not a drop-off event
More info and registration: https://ps-58-pta-francophonefilmfestival.square.site/
PROJECT BASED LEARNING DISTRICT 15 COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us to see how we make learning connected, authentic, and meaningful
for our D15 students!
- 📅 MARCH 25, 2026
- ⏰ 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- 📍MS 51 - 350 5TH AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11215
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
D15 Stronger Together: Family Voices & Partnerships in Special Education
District 15 invites families to join us for an in-person Special Education Workshop and Resource Fair designed to inform, empower, and connect our community.
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM to 10:45 AMLocation: 4222 4 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
The morning will include:
- An informational session led by IncludeNYC on understanding the IEP process and family rights
- A Resource Fair where families can connect directly with District 15 special education leaders
Together, we can ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.
MARBLE HEALTH FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Navigating AI: Supporting Students in a Changing World (New!)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 @ 8:00 PM
Managing Screen Time
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Students Through Grief and Transition
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 @ 7:00 PM
2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE
We are excited to share that the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) will host its annual Family Conference on April 22 from 10 AM-12 PM at Fordham University. This event is a joyful opportunity to celebrate multilingualism and culture while connecting families to valuable school- and community-based resources.
The conference will include engaging workshops, community resource tables, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities. There will be food, fun, and meaningful opportunities for families to build connections and access information that supports their children’s success.
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
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.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Please see the attached important update from the NYCPS Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Please feel free to reach out to Nadia if you have any concerns or questions.
LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
Our school community has moved into a new and important chapter of our PurposeFull People character education curriculum: the value of Honesty.
For more on our Honesty module, please take a look at the PurposeFull People parent newsletter here, which includes activities that you can do at home as a family to reinforce this value. And feel free to reach out to your child's teacher to learn more about what their specific grade is exploring.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Perseverance
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly in the PS 107 Art Room 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
PSSE MONTHLY MEETING
Please join the Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) Committee for our March meeting on Thursday, March 12, from12pm-1pm on zoom. Agenda includes planning for STEM Day, Neurodiversity Awareness Week, Art Day and other upcoming events & volunteer projects.
This Saturday at STEM Day, stop by the PSSE Room to take a break in the sensory tent, join in a fun five senses exploration and meet Scout Regal Eagle, who will lead a calming movement activity.
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the March PTA General Meeting on Thursday, March 19th at 9am. Meeting will take place on zoom.
2026-27 PTA Executive Board
We are starting to think about next year’s Executive Board and are gathering interest from parents who may want to get involved. Many of our roles are co-led and in most cases one co-leader will remain in place — meaning volunteers would be stepping into a shared role with support and continuity. Check out the different board positions on the website here: https://www.ps107.org/about-pta. If you’re curious, please reach out via email to adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org; we’d be happy to talk it through!
School Leadership Team (SLT): Call for Candidates
During the May PTA meeting (Thursday, May 21, 9am) we will hold elections for next year's PTA Board and 2 parent positions on the School Leadership Team (SLT). SLT is a steering committee comprised of faculty members and parent volunteers. Elected parent reps serve a two-year term, with openings for 2 parents to join the committee each year. You can learn more here.
In terms of responsibilities, SLT meetings are held once a month in the afternoon. The meetings cover the curriculum, school procedures and policies, and any other emergent issues affecting the school. Parent reps are also meant to serve as an ear to the ground for the community at large -- we maintain an email account (sltparents@ps107.org) where any parent can bring up something they'd like addressed by the committee and we do our best to advocate for their needs.
If you'd be interested in running for one of the open positions, please email the PTA Co-Presidents (adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org) with a ~250 word statement about who you are and why you want to join SLT, and optionally a headshot photo to include with your statement. All submissions should be received by Thursday, May 14. We'll compile the statements and give parents some time to read them at the PTA meeting, then hold an anonymous vote by Zoom, with results announced sometime after the meeting.
Missed the February PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
Thanks to a generous PS 107 Kindergarten family, all donations made through this Friday, March 14, will be matched dollar-for-dollar until we reach $3,141.59! Consider donating now! 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.
READ-A-THON
Dust off your favorite books and find your most comfortable pajamas! The PS 107 Read-A-Thon is underway! During the Read-A-Thon, students are encouraged to read as much as they can and ask friends and family to support them by making a donation to our school. Each class will work together to achieve a collective reading goal. If a class reaches its goal, every student, teacher, and hamster will win a free ice cream from Goodiez! This year, the event is a few days shorter and the goals are a little more ambitious, so students will need to work extra hard to help their class earn their prize. If your student would like to participate, fill out this form to get started!
FIRST IN PERSON GEAR SALE OF 2026!
Get your PS 107 gear and stock up for the season!
Sale Times:
• 8:00–9:00 AM (morning drop-off)
• 2:00–5:30 PM (afternoon pick-up)
We’ve got lots of cozy sweatshirts, sweatpants, and other PS 107 favorites—perfect for filling out your child’s wardrobe with school spirit.
Stop by, say hi, and grab some gear while supplies last!
FOUR & TWENTY BLACKPIRDS 'PI DAY' FUNDRAISER
Pick up pie orders outside school on Friday, March 13th from 2:30-5:45pm. Email any questions to Julie Mee Schmidt (juliem@ps107.org)
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 the items detailed above.
Please note: 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.
STEM DAY
Stem Day returns! This fun filled day for the whole family is back this Saturday, March 14th this year from 12-3pm. Fan favorites return such as STARLAB Planetarium, Brooklyn Game Lab’s Battle Lab, Into the Future, scratch coding challenges with Code Ninjas and Penguin Coding, DarkSky International, Trail Blazers, KoKo NYC, the New York Aquarium, Audubon New York and hands on experiments led by PS 107 parents. We are STILL in need of volunteers to make this day possible! Please join us as a greeter, activity helper, set up/clean up crew, pizza sales- a little bit of your time will help the day continue to be a success! Sign up here, on Konstella. Thank you!
GREEN COMMITEE PARK CLEAN-UP
Students and grownups will meet on Sunday, March 22 between 9:00 and 11:00amto clear litter from Prospect Park. Bring your own gloves and trash bags and join us! Come once, or join every month. Volunteers will meet at 9:00am, but feel free to join later, and stay as long as you can.
Students will earn their Action Volunteer pin (if they don't already have it).
- Signup on Konstella encouraged but not required.
- Grownups - please share the attached safety info with your kids beforehand.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 14 - STEM Day 12 - 3 pm
March 19 - PTA GENERAL MEETING 9 AM (Virtual)
March 25 - Project Based Learning District 15 Community Event
March 26 - D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM (in person)
March 27 - Summer Rising Application Closes
April 15 & 16 - NYS Testing for Grades 3 to 5
April 22 - 2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 10 AM-12 PM
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
March 20 - Eid al Fitr (School Closed)
April 2 to 10 - Spring Recess (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!