Lions Ledger
October 27-31, 2025
Dear Seth Low Families,
The 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start, and we’re thrilled to introduce our new weekly newsletter— Lion’s Ledger!
Our top priority this year is to engage families in their students’ educational journey. This newsletter will serve as a weekly resource to keep you informed about all the exciting happenings at Seth Low. It will be shared via Talking Points and DOE Messenger (text and email) and will also be available on our school website.
NYC READs & Student Assessments
Last week, we sent home students' iReady Diagnostic results. Based on those results, we administered the San Diego Quick Assessment to better understand individual learning needs. By the first week of November, families will receive a letter detailing their child’s tier placement and intervention program:
Tier 1: On or above grade level
Tier 2: 1–2 grade levels below
Tier 3: 3 or more grade levels below
We will monitor student progress every 6–8 weeks and invite families of Tier 2 and Tier 3 students to participate in a conference (in-person, virtual, or phone). Interventions and groupings will be adjusted based on student growth.
Arts Program Expansion
We’re excited to share that Seth Low received an $80,000 grant to enhance our Arts program! Recently, students met with Dr. Jessica Goffredo-Englehart, Borough Arts Director, to share their ideas and advocate for the arts. It was a proud moment for our students to use their voices and express their creativity.
Promotional Video & Photo Consent
On November 3rd and 6th, a team from SOLVED will be at Seth Low to capture photos and video for a school promotional project. Please ensure your child’s photo consent form is submitted. If you prefer your child, not be photographed or recorded, please indicate that on the form. Only students with completed forms will be included.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education — the most valuable gift of all. Here’s to a year filled with growth, creativity, and 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
- Soccer Game
Tuesday
- Algebra Regents 8th Grade: 7:00 Am - 8:00 AM in Room 303
- Boys Basketball Practice starts.
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
- Algebra Regents 8th Grade - 7:00 Am - 8:00 AM in Room 303
- Trip - PS 177 Visit w Capobianco / Hartshorn
- Musical Theater Broadway Trip - Capobianco (Departure 5:45 Return 10:55)
- Girls basketball practice starts
- NEST High School Application Workshop - 6 PM Virtual
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Thursday:
- Algebra Regents 8th Grade - 7:00 Am - 8:00 AM in Room 303
- Adult Education: 5:40-9:00 p.m.
Friday
🎃 Happy Halloween. Please read these guidelines for Halloween costumes.
Saturday
- Adult Education: 9:00-2:00
IXL MONTHLY COMPETITION!
Our IXL competition is in full effect!
Top class from each grade level that has mastered the most
grade-level modules will receive a PIZZA PARTY on November 2nd during their lunch period!
All after-school programs are from 2:30-3:45.
- SHSAT Prep (Specialized High School Entrance Exam) - Tuesdays and Thursdays (ends 11/6/25)
- Broadway Junior - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Debate - Thursdays
- Beginner ENL Support - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (from 11/5/25 to 5/7/26)
- Basketball Team - BOYS - Tuesdays
- Basketball Team - GIRLS - Wednesdays
- Art Therapy - Fridays
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.
The 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
Qualifications:
Students interested in applying for a seat on the Student Council must be a current 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student.
Applicants must be willing to participate in weekly Student Council meetings, which will take place Thursday morning at 7 AM.
For more information, please see Ms Agostino in room 109.
Super-short Spooky Story Contest
The library is hosting a spooky-themed Fall writing contest. Any student who would like to participate may enter. The deadline is to submit your story is October 28th. CLICK HERE for details and regulations.
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 and good luck to our Boys Varsity soccer team as they enter the playoffs.
Come cheer for our Seth Low Lions!
When: Monday, October 27th at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Bill Brown Park
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 and good luck to our Girls Varsity as they enter the Fall season playoffs.
When:Thursday, October 30th at 5:00 p.m. in Prospect Park
Where: 544 7th Avenue, Bk, NY 11215
The Spring season starts in late April. Check back for details.
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!
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.
🎃 Spooky Collaboration! We're excited to partner with our school's band and a local elementary charter school to perform during Halloween Parade. It's a fantastic community event!
🎄 In Rehearsal: Getting into the spirit early with a fun set of holiday music.
