Dear PS 107 Families,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the untimely death of our first-grade chicken, Waffles. After a difficult night, Waffles died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours. Waffles had developed a torn cloaca and a vent prolapse, which prevented her from passing an egg. This is something that can occur when chickens first start laying eggs. Our community worked hard to save her, but in the end, there was nothing that could be done.
Waffles had a wonderful life at the PS 107 Homestead. Her gentle personality, and peaceful, friendly demeanor made her a favorite among many of your children. The final days of Waffles’ life showed us, once again, how truly exceptional the PS 107 community is. We’d like to say a tremendous thank you to our incredible Garden Committee, especially our amazing chicken “mom,” Ali Annunziato, who devotes countless hours to caring for our chickens, and parents Zoe Young and Alex LaRosa. A special shout-out to parent Danny Fried, who rushed Waffles to the Upper East Side Animal Medical Center and stayed with her while she was examined and diagnosed.
We know that the loss of Waffles will bring up many feelings for our students, and we will continue to keep you updated on our plans for memorializing Waffles. Please know that our school social worker, Ms Colleen, and our school counselor, Ms Sarah, are available to support your children should they need additional TLC in the coming days and weeks. And, if you have any questions about Waffles or the PS 107 Homestead, do not hesitate to reach out to Ms Ali, our PE teacher and Garden Coordinator at aannunziato@schools.nyc.gov.
NEW CELL PHONE, SMART WATCH, AND OTHER DEVICE POLICY
During our March School Leadership Team (SLT) meeting last Wednesday, our committee was asked to review PS 107’s existing Cell Phone, Smart Watch, and Other Device Policy. This is because many more students now have smart watches, which have become increasingly serious distractions in many of our classrooms.
I am pleased to share that the SLT decided to treat smart watches just like cell phones: they must be off and in student backpacks for the entire time that students are at school. The SLT realizes that parents provide students with smart watches rather than phones so that they can contact their children and monitor their locations when they are not at home. However, the distractions caused by smart watches at school outweigh the benefits, and therefore students may no longer wear them when they are in school. Teachers will ask students to put their smart watches in their backpacks at the beginning of the school day. Once children have been dismissed, they may once again, put on their smart watch.
Please note that PS 107 is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, phones, and watches if they are brought to school. Please review our updated Cell Phone, Smart Watch, and Other Device Policy here. This new policy will take effect tomorrow, Thursday, March 27th, when teachers will begin reminding students to take off their smart watches and place them in their backpacks during school hours.
We hope that this new policy will make PS 107 classrooms even more distraction free!
NEW YORK STATE ELA, MATH, AND SCIENCE TESTING
Annual New York State testing for students in grades 3 through 5 begins soon! 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
Please note that this year, 3rd graders will take the paper-based test as usual; however, 4th and 5th graders will take NYS tests on the computer. New York State is moving towards computer-based testing for all grades, and this year, it is required for both 4th and 5th graders. Our 4th and 5th grade teachers are preparing their students for computer-based testing — having them take practice tests on the computer, and giving them time to try out computer-based measurement tools for the Math test.
At 107, we see these tests as just one measure of how children — and our school — are doing. We review aggregate data, particularly our Test Item Analysis report, which helps us to see which ELA and math skills we need to focus on in our teaching across the school year. We do test prep in the weeks leading up to each test, but our teachers make it as low-key and stress-free as possible.
As you may know, 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.
Have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES
- MANAGING BIG FEELINGS WITH DR. ERICA MILLER- Tomorrow March 27th @ 8:45 am (In Person)
- During this conversation, we will focus on understanding our sensitive and big feeling kids. We will talk about child and parent regulation skills, the difference between feelings and behaviors, and strategies for helping everyone through these tough moments will be discussed.
- SAVE THE DATE! THE TALK WITH RACHEL LOTUS - 4/22/25 at 6:30 pm (IN PERSON)
2025 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY! PIZZA PARTY INCENTIVE!
The 2025 NYC School Survey administration window will close next Friday, April 4. We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year.
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 4, 2025.
- How can you take the survey? Families can take the survey online OR by completing a paper survey. Families will 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.
SUMMER RISING 2025 - Applications close on Friday, March 28th!
#SummerRising is BACK and open to all NYC students from K-8!
🌟Full day, in-person programs
🤸♂️Fun and enriching activities
🚌Local field trips
🍎Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Families are now able to apply for Summer Rising seats in MySchools until Friday, March 28, 2025.
Learn more: schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising
RAISING ANTIRACIST KIDS FREE FAMILY WORKSHOP
PS 10 is hosting a free family workshop on March 27, 6:30 pm in their auditorium auditorium.
They wanted to open the invitation to our school community.
It is a free event with free pizza and drinks served but they asking everyone to register for a head count.
Please see the image for the QR code to register for this event.
LOST & FOUND - Updated 3-26-25
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
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.
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.
CEC 15 Candidate Forum Recording from Wednesday, March 12, 2025
https://vimeo.com/1065533423/1ced305195?share=copy
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 MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. NOW through Friday, March 28th all donations will be MATCHED by an anonymous team of PS 107 families until we reach 5K. Here’s how you can make your contribution:
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 SPORTS
BROOKLYN FC
Wear your school gear to "Rep Your School Night" and help cheer on the borough's brand new professional women's soccer team as they take on the Tampa Bay Sun on Saturday, March 29th at 6pm. Tickets are still available for $20 (endline) or $35 (sideline) plus processing fee, with $5 from each ticket going to the PTA. Get your tickets online now.
*If you would like to attend but need financial assistance, please contact Nadia, Parent Coordinator, at NBenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
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.
SPRING AUCTION GALA - VOLUNTEER TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
The jewel in the crown of PS 107's social calendar, the Spring Auction Gala, will be held next Friday, April 4th, 7:00pm - 12:00am at the Prospect Park Picnic House. Tickets are sold out, however a small number of discounted tickets are available at $100 each for volunteers working checkout (10:00-11:15pm or 11:00pm-12:00am). Please email auction@ps107.org if you're interested, or if you want to join the waitlist for regular tickets should any become available.
Spring Auction Special Events:
Time with Teacher Raffle: NOW through March 28th
What is the Time With Teacher Raffle, you say? A chance for your child to win a special experience with PS 107 teachers, administration, and staff! Enter the raffle NOW through March 28th by filling out the form sent home last week in your child's backpack and writing how many “tickets” you are purchasing. You can buy as many “tickets” as you like for every experience your child hopes to win.
Return your paper raffle form with payment (cash or check made out to PS 107 PTA) to your child’s teacher or to the Time With Teacher team at drop off in front of the main entrance every morning this week. Or enter and pay online by the end of the day this Friday.
Questions? Email Margaux (mhvose@gmail.com) or Sarah (sarah.l.liebel@gmail.com)
Online Auction: March 28 - April 4
The opening act to the Gala - the event that you can take part in from your living room, office, bus or beyond - starts on Friday, March 28th. Bid on some fantastic items from local businesses, including many PS 107 parent-owned businesses. From restaurant and coffee shop gift cards, to pro sports games and concert tickets, and everything in between. Be ready to bid by registering now on the auction website.
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 for a fun morning to gather and prepare the garden for Spring! Adults and children welcome. 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.
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
Please click here for the complete 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school year calendars.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
March 27 - Parent Workshop w/Dr. Erica Miller 8:45 am (in person)
March 28 - Summer Rising Enrollment Period Closes
March 29 to April 6 - Participatory Budgeting Vote Week
April 2 - Kindergarten Offers are released
April 4 - School Surveys Close
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 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
March 31 - Eid Al-Fitr (School Closed)
April 14 to April 18 - Spring Recess (School Closed)