The Wednesday Weekly
January 28, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
I hope you are all staying warm this week! Between frigid temperatures and our first remote school day in several years, 2026 is certainly keeping us on our toes.
A huge thank you to Brad Allen, our parent lead for this year’s Heritage Day, and to all the families who shared their cultures, stories, food, traditions, music, and artifacts. With their Heritage Day passports in hand, our students “traveled” all around the world in just a few hours! What a joyful celebration of the diversity, richness, and global spirit of our community. Thank you for making this event so special.
As well, thank you for your flexibility as we navigated Monday’s remote school day. Although we experienced a few technical glitches (as expected!), our teachers reported that the day went much more smoothly than anticipated. We would love to hear from you as well. What worked? What was challenging? What would help remote days go more smoothly for your family in the future? Please share your feedback here.
A quick note about which we received a few questions: although Google Meet is built into Google Classroom, we use Zoom for remote learning because it offers more functionality and is easier for teachers and students to use.
It’s Brutally Cold: Please Bundle Up
While we do not go outside when it is dangerously cold, we will continue to take students outside briefly when it is safe to do so. Being indoors all day is tough for young children, and even short bursts of fresh air make a difference.
Please be sure your children come dressed in warm layers, hats, gloves or mittens, scarves, and winter coats. As well, please label all of these items, as small winter accessories tend to wander!
Safety Reminder: Please Keep Children Off the Snow Pile
You may have noticed the large pile of snow that is in front of our school on 8th Avenue. We are actively working with the NYC Department of Sanitation to have it removed as soon as possible.In the meantime, please do not allow your children to climb on it during drop-off or pick-up. The snow pile is unstable, icy, and close to traffic, and we want to prevent any accidents or injuries. You can also call 311 asking Sanitation to remove the snow pile. The more calls, the faster they will remove it. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!
TONIGHT: Class Size Information Session
The School Leadership Team (SLT) will host an information session tonight, Wednesday, January 28th, 7:30–8:30 pm, on Zoom. If you haven’t yet registered and would like to attend, please do so here:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/6A7D6No2Q5aSdPwrrQrrLA
In advance of the meeting, please review the summary of all avenues the SLT is currently considering to reduce class size at PS 107 for both the short and long term. Please note:
No decisions regarding 2026-27 have been made by the SLT, and the purpose of this session is to explore the various options available and get feedback from the community.
If you have questions that you would like to ask in advance, as well as suggestions that are not currently detailed in the SLT’s summary, please submit them here.
The session will be recorded and shared afterward for anyone who cannot attend.
Following this session, the SLT will also be sharing a survey with the community so that we can capture individual feedback on class size reduction at PS 107.
FRIDAY: Report Cards Available in NYCSA
Your child’s first report card of the school year will be available digitally in your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) on Friday, January 30th.
To access your child’s report card:
Go to https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/ and sign in.
Select your child.
Click “My Student.”
Click “Grades.”
Select “Report Card.”
Click “Report Card” again on the next page to download the PDF.
Please note:
NYCSA can be glitchy, and report cards may appear 24-48 hours after 1/30. If you do not see the report card by Monday, February 2nd, please reach out to Ms Nadia at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov
In the past, another glitch that we have encountered is that comments are missing from a child’s report card. All teachers have included detailed written comments on report cards, so if you do not see comments, please reach out to Ms Nadia
If you need a printed copy of your child’s report card and do not have access to a printer, Ms Nadia can provide one.
Please take a look at PS 107’s Grading Policy in advance of report cards coming out so that you can better understand how teachers determine grades for your child. If you have concerns about your child’s report card, please plan to discuss them with your child’s teacher(s) during our next Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, March 5th.
NEXT FRIDAY: Family Morning
Our next Family Morning is coming up on Friday, February 6th, for PreK–4th grade. (5th grade will reschedule due to its Brooklyn Acting Lab residency launching on 2/6 and will communicate with 5th grade families shortly.) Parents and caregivers are invited to visit classrooms from 8:20–9:10 am.
A few reminders:
All adults must enter through the main entrance, not at student drop-off locations.
To avoid overcrowding, we recommend one adult per child (no more than two, please).
Please leave younger siblings at home if possible.
Immediately following Family Morning, please join me for Coffee with the Principal in the Cafeteria from 9:10–10:00 am. I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Thank you, as always, for your support! I am so grateful for this community every day.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
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.
NYC KIDS RISE SAVE FOR COLLEGE
Happy NYC Scholarship Month 2026! It’s time for families to activate their children’s NYC Scholarship Accounts and get money for college and career training as part of the Save for College Program. Let’s start the new year saving together.
This 2025-2026 school year, nearly every kindergarten through fourth grade student in NYC public schools (including participating charter schools) now has a free NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 for college and career training, no matter their family income or immigration status.
You can start TODAY to secure more money for your child’s college and career future. Take the first step by activating your child’s NYC Scholarship Account online.
Want to explore all that
OFFICE OF FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES HIRING HALL
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services will have a hiring Hall 2/7 at Sunset Park High School.Link to register https://forms.office.com/r/yAArDZEgzr
Please see the flyer for the QR code to register for an interview.
2026 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY!
The 2026 NYC School Survey administration window will open on Monday, February 9th. We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year.
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.
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.
At least one parent/guardian will need to have access to this account. 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.
A Friendly Reminder About Dogs on or near School Grounds
Please be mindful of your dog’s behavior during crowded times, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.Whenever possible, it’s best to leave dogs at home during these busy windows. If you do need to bring your dog, please keep them close to you and under control at all times.
Please also remember: DO NOT tie dogs to the school fence or to signs outside of the school and leave them unattended. This is a safety issue, and we appreciate your cooperation.
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!
POGEK MONTHLY MEET UP
POGEK is a community of parents, family members, and loved ones of trans youth. We meet monthly in person to connect, support each other, and organize together -- as we promote respect and inclusion in our schools and larger community.
📅February 4th
⏰8:30 to 9:30 am
📍Variety Coffee (corner of 7th Ave & 8th St)
WIT & WISDOM CURRICULUM WORKSHOP WITH ANNA SCHIDLOVSKY
Please join us on February 10th when Anna Schidlovsky will provide information about The Science of Reading, an overview of Wit & Wisdom (the name of our English Language Arts curriculum), and answer any questions you might have about the curriculum or how to support your child at home.
📆 February 10th
⏰ 8:45 am
📍PS 107 Cafeteria
* Register here
MARBLE HEALTH JANUARY & FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ 8:00 PM
Demystifying Therapy: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Support (New!)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ 8:00 PM
Navigating Today's Student Health Challenges: Vaping, Alcohol, & Other Substances
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 @ 7:00 PM
Apoyo a los niños durante el duelo y la transición (en español)
MARTES 24 DE FEBRERO A LAS 18:00
Supporting Students with Stress
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 @ 8:00 PM
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.
LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Empathy
One way to think about empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that helps build strong relationships and a caring community. Empathy is one of the three core traits that supports students in being kind, and across grade levels, students will be developing skills such as:
Perspective-taking
Conflict resolution
Leadership
Families can learn more and continue these conversations at home by reviewing the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
SCHOOL NEWS
- Aid & Action Community Update: Konstella 1/26/26
- Missed the January PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
- Safety During Afterschool Pick Ups: Konstella 1/21/26
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
TRASH TROOP - PARK CLEAN UP
Students and grownups meet on the first Sunday of each month between 9:00 and 11:00 to 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.
ITALIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS
Native Italian Speaker and PS 107 parent, Valeria, would love to invite interested students (ages 7-12) to join her for Italian Language Lessons on Sundays from 3pm to 4:30pm, February 8th through June 14th. (No classes on April 5 & May 24.) Up to 6 children are welcome to join lessons; please contact Valeria at 646-257-0745 or casaitalianabk@gmail.com for more information.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. 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.
5TH GRADE COMMITTEE VALENTINES DAY FUNDRAISER
In order to simplify the holiday for parents and make it greener, the 5th Grade Committee suggests donating to the 5th grade class fund, who will create candy bags with uplifting messages for every PS 107 student this Valentine's Day! Bags will be distributed on Friday, February 13th. Donations are voluntary and any amount is appreciated. If you wish to contribute, please venmo @alexandra-varipapa or zelle alexandra@varipapa.com by Friday, January 30th.
SAVE THE DATE
On Thursday, March 12th, at 7pm, join the PS 107 Aid & Action Committee at Rullos (560 5th Ave) for Rom-Com Trivia Night Hosted by Julia Stiles! Tickets will be available for sale Thursday morning. Look for the Konstella announcement.
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.
DISNEY ON ICE
Join PS 107 for Disney on Ice at the Barclays Center Sunday, February 1st at 3pm!
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
BROOKLYN NETS GAME
The NBA is back! On Saturday, February 7th at 3pm, join us at the Barclays Center to cheer on the Brooklyn Nets while supporting our school at PS 107's annual fundraiser game.
The deadline to purchase tickets in the PS 107 sections has passed, but if you’re still interested, please email Rebecca at rcetta@gmail.com. We’ll do our best to help find seats for you.
*For those who have already purchased tickets, they will be emailed at the beginning of February.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Join the PS 107 PTA for Live Rock Karaoke Friday, February 6th from 6-10PM! Get ready for Valentine's Day with South Park Slope's Premier Live Rock Karaoke Band -The Occasionalists- playing all your favorite Love Songs & Heartbreak Hits that YOU get to sing! Book your sitter and join us at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) to rock out and raise money for our school. This event is open to everyone: share this link with friends and family who would love a night out and to support our school! Secure your tickets ahead of time now for just $20! or they'll be more expensive at the door! Questions? Email Mike at mturchiano@gmail.com. For confidential financial assistance, please contact Nadia at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov .
AID AND ACTION COMMITTEE
This January and February, our school is turning our commitment to "Active Citizenship" into real world support. We are coming together to assemble Bundles of Hope - personal care kits for women at our local shelters. These bundles provide more than just essentials; they provide dignity and a reminder that our community cares. Every kit will be hand packed by our students with items that offer comfort to women in transition.
We are collecting the following items to fill our kits. Please consider sending one or two items from the list below with your student by Friday, February 6th. (Look for the "Bundles of Hope" box in the main lobby to drop-off your donations!)
Personal Care (Travel Size Preferred)
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Wash or Bar Soap
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Fragrance-free Lotion
- Lip Balm (Chapstick)
Daily Essentials
- Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads/Tampons)
- Travel Tissues
- Hair Ties or a Hairbrush
- Laundry Pods (2–3 in a sealed Ziploc bag)
Granola, protein bars, or other non-perishable snacks
Extra Special Touch
- A card or drawing from your student with a simple message like “You are brave" or "Thinking of you"
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 28 - SLT Class Size Reduction Discussion 7:30-8:30 pm (zoom)
February 4 - POGEK monthly meet up at Variety Coffee 8:30 am
February 6 - Family Morning followed by Coffee with the Principal 8:20 to 10 am
February 9 to April 1 - School Survey Process Open
February 10- Wit & Wisdom Curriculum Workshop with Anna Schidlovsky 8:45 am (cafeteria)
February 12 - PTA General Meeting 7:30 pm (via Zoom)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
February 14-22 - Mid Winter Recess (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
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