Dear PS 107 Families,
February is coming to a close, and it is always such a celebratory month at PS 107! We have been honoring Black History Month with our community through morning announcements and a schoolwide slideshow featuring important figures in Black history, along with beautiful posters hung throughout our school featuring Black role models, including our own students and staff. Thank you so much to the Black Family Network at PS 107 for helping our school have a momentous February! While we love celebrating Black history during February, we also know that Black history is American history and make sure to incorporate learning across the curriculum, all year long.
March is upon us and it will be a busy month at 107, with holding Parent-Teacher Conferences and celebrating Women’s History Month.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES + NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON MARCH 6TH
On Thursday, March 6th, we will host Parent-Teacher Conferences. As noted in a schoolwide message yesterday, March 6th is also a non-attendance day for students. In previous years, PTC day would have been a half-day of school for students, but PS 107, along with many other schools in the neighborhood, opted to have professional learning for staff on these mornings, rather than a half-day of school.
As we did in November on PTC day, PS 107 will be providing emergency childcare for families who need it from 8:20 am to 11:35 am on Thursday, March 6th. Students will be supervised by our beloved school aides, Ms Sumr, Ms Melanie, Ms Malani, and Ms Brigid, in classrooms. Children will be in multi-age groups, with the appropriate student-teacher ratio, and will engage in age-appropriate educational activities, some of which may include educational videos. Grab and go breakfast and school lunch will be provided to all students who attend. Please note that there will be no Early Bird program or PSACC afterschool on Thursday, March 6th.
If your family needs emergency childcare on March 6th, please complete this brief form as soon as possible. And please keep an eye on your email to schedule your March parent-teacher conferences with your children’s teachers. Afternoon conferences typically are held between 1 and 3 pm and evening conferences typically take place between 4:30 and 7:30 pm. All conferences will be virtual, unless parents request an in-person conference at a mutually-agreed upon time with their child’s classroom teacher.
If you would like to meet with one of our specialty or academic intervention teachers, please email them directly to set up an appointment time. They are available during the same general windows as classroom teachers, 1-3 pm and 4:30-7:30 pm on Thursday, March 6th:
Crystal Barnes, 2nd-5th grade Science: cbarnes13@schools.nyc.gov
Ali Annunziato, PreK-5th grade Physical Education: aannunziato@schools.nyc.gov
Mark Sacoto, PreK-5th grade Physical Education (available from 1-3 pm only): msacoto2@schools.nyc.gov
Gary DiFranco, PreK-5th grade Music: gdifranco2@schools.nyc.gov
Julie Brunner Cross, PreK-5th grade Art: jbrunnercross@schools.nyc.gov
Peg Galella, PreK-2nd grade Library + Academic Intervention/English as a New Language: mgalell@schools.nyc.gov
Arelys Vasquez, Reading intervention: avasque5@schools.nyc.gov
As a reminder, you will not be receiving a report card prior to March Parent-Teacher Conferences; however, it is absolutely appropriate to discuss your child’s recent report card, which was released on your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) on January 31st.
CELL PHONE + OTHER DEVICE POLICY
We have had an uptick in incidents involving children using cell phones or smart watches in school, so this is an opportune time to remind all of you of our cell phone and other device policy. We realize that parents give children cell phones and smart watches for safety purposes; however, we would like to remind you to please not call or text children during school hours. This happens more than you might think and is extremely disruptive to classroom learning. If you have an urgent message to share with your child during the school day, please call the main office. Further, please remind children that they should not be taking photos or videos during the school day with smart watches or phones. This is extremely distracting and can lead to a host of associated problems. We appreciate your support with helping your children follow PS 107’s cell phone and other device policy.
GOT CANDY OR TEA FOR OUR HARD-WORKING TEACHERS?
Last but not least, do you have any Valentine’s Day candy hanging around that you’d like out of your house? Do you have extra tea bags that your family will likely never use? These are both hot items at PS 107 – our teachers love them! – and we can’t seem to keep our Conference Room adequately stocked. Please feel free to send any extra individually-wrapped candy or assorted tea bags our way. Everything can be dropped off in the main office.
Thank you and have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES WITH DR. ERICA MILLER
Dr. Erica Miller is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in neuropsychological assessment, positive parenting practices and evidenced-based treatments.
Her primary goal is to help parents better understand their child and to empower parents to meet their child’s needs with connection and empathy.
Topics will include: frustration tolerance, working through power struggles, confidence building, and preparing for the tween/teen years.
Workshop Dates:
- Tomorrow, February 27, 2025 @ 8:45 am
- During this workshop, we will focus on reframing and building confidence. As parents, we want our children to grow up to be confident. But what does that mean and how do we do it? We are hearing so many conflicting messages regarding praise, and reassurance. Participants will become equipped with a new framework confidence and explicit strategies to help kids build it from the inside out. *RSVP here
- March 27,2025
- 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.
2025 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY! PIZZA PARTY INCENTIVE!
The 2025 NYC School Survey administration window opened on Monday, February 10 and will close on 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 launch on Monday, February 10 and continue through 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? On February 10, everyone will be able to 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
#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 will be able to apply for Summer Rising seats in MySchools starting on Tuesday, March 4, and until Friday, March 28, 2025.
Learn more: schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising
LOST & FOUND - Updated 2-25-25
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
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS - February 2025
- A Message for Families on NYCPS Supports for LGBTQ+ Students- Click here to view the message or see the attached letter.
- Please see the attached Family Update that provides important information about Summer Rising 2025, the annual NYC School Survey, Education Council Elections, Respect for All Week, and key enrollment dates.
- You can also view this message here : https://schools.nyc.gov/MessagesForFamilies
- Chancellor's Letter Regarding Supporting Immigrant Students - See attached letter
D15 FAMILY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE WORKSHOP
Family Leadership Institute workshops, six virtual sessions aimed at helping parents build skills in communication and advocacy for their children and their families.
I participated in this workshop last year and I found it to be thought provoking, validating, and truly an enriching experience. I highly recommend it and will participate this year as well, if I can, as well :)
Dates: 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4
Time: 9:30-11am
*Please see the attached flyer for more information
SCREEENING OF "COUNTED OUT"
The District 15 Math Team invites District 15 families and educators to a screening of "Counted Out", followed by a panel discussion with members of our team.
Date: March 14, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:00PM, Panel 7:00-7:30PM
Location: Brooklyn High School for the Arts 345 Dean St, Auditorium
About the Film
“Counted Out” investigates the biggest crises of our time — racism, political polarization, economic inequity, a global pandemic, climate change — through the unexpected lens of math. This striking documentary exposes systemic inequities that weaponize math as a gatekeeper and shines a light on math as the foundation of democracy and economic opportunity that allows everyone to fully participate in this fast-moving society.
CEC 15
2025 CCEC Elections
Want to learn more about the CEC? Attend the meeting below! You can attend in person or via live stream.
CEC 15 Business Meeting
Date: Tuesday March 11th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: 131 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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/tJAkc-ysqjsiGtVujmy_cM3mBSP6Xn0OXDTT
THE SCIENCE OF READING WORKSHOPS
Join New York City Public Schools, Office of Family and Community Empowerment for a 7-week virtual workshop designed to help parents and caretakers to understand the science of reading and equip them with the knowledge and tools to support their children’s literacy at home.
Workshop Details:
📅 When: Thursday evening from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, February 13th – March 27th
💻 Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home!
👉 Register here: Click to Sign Up
🎯 What to Expect:
- 45-minute sessions covering key aspects of the science of reading
- Expert guidance from Braintrust Tutors on why reading can be challenging, especially in English
- Practical strategies to boost your child’s confidence in reading using free local resources
- A chance to connect with other parents and learn together
This is a fantastic and limited opportunity to gain new skills, ask questions, and make reading more enjoyable for your child!
To confirm your spot, please register here, find more details in the attached flyer. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Nisaa Jackson, Njackson29@schools.nyc.gov, or Rafael Dobles, Rdobles3@schools.nyc.gov.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES - Hosted by: The Central Crisis Support Team
Explore new themes each month with our engaging weekly presentations. Enhance your skills to support your child's growth and connect with a community of parents and caregivers!
March: Empower Through Play
Time/Zoom information:
- Mon 5PM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vc-Gsrj8sH9OMo9OXbIzisuI5n5fyT3s6
- Tues 7:30pm: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdO6orT4sEtJ0AHga6aG3yRVGFe1Tcl29
- Thurs 11AM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcO2hpzsiGdNkKvZToV-RuTpg-0eBb4xq
*Please see the image or flyer for more information.
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!
MAKING CARING COMMON
Making Caring Common is a groundbreaking program, created at Harvard University, that aims to foster a positive and caring culture of kindness in schools. Lessons are primarily parent-led and we are looking for volunteers to help bring this curriculum into our classrooms starting this March. The commitment for volunteers includes a 30 minute introductory zoom with Harvard (to learn more about the program and prepare you for bringing the lesson to life in the classroom), and two kindness preps and lessons (30 minute zoom calls to learn each lesson, 30 minutes to deliver the lessons in the classroom). If you are interested in taking part, please email pamlewy@gmail.com, and/or join the Zoom Call (https://harvard.zoom.us/j/3113800233) with our project lead from Harvard this Thursday, March 27th at 12:30pm. We hope to see you there!
PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES: BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY
Please join the DEI Committee for the second session of a three-part workshop series, led by teacher educator Kass Minor, a local D15 parent and author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools. The PTA and PS 107 school leadership have invested to provide this workshop to our community because we want all students to feel that they belong.
All parents and caregivers are welcome, including those who missed the first workshop. We hope to see you there! *Please note that workshop will take place on Monday, March 3rd from 7-8:30pm (on Zoom) and on Thursday, May 1st at the same time. RSVP here!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are 90% to our $210K goal; help get us over the finish line!
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.
PIES FOR PI DAY
Celebrate International Pi day on 3.14 (Friday, March 14th) with a pie from Brooklyn's own 'Four and Twenty Blackbirds.' Ten inch pies are $40 each (retail price $45); $15 from each pie purchased will go to the PS 107 PTA.
Please order by Friday, March 7th; pies can be collected outside school on Friday, March 14th from 2:35-5:45pm.
Please use this link to purchase: Four & Twenty Pi Day Fundraiser.
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
PS 124 CLOTHING AND HOUSEWARE SWAP
Given the ongoing challenges in the news cycle and the impact on PS 124 staff, students, and parents, we are using this event to emphasize the importance of creating a space where people feel safe, welcome, and open to build community. Please join us at PS 124 (514 4th Avenue) on Saturday, March 8th from 10:30-12:30 pm, where we will be collecting houseware and in-season clothing in excellent condition. In order to donate clothing and houseware, please plan to stay and help sort for a portion of the event.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter, and get ready for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. On Wednesday, March 12th, join us at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) for live band karaoke with The Occasionalists. Doors open at 6:30pm, festivities begin at 7:30pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door, tickets are available here. [Half-priced tickets will be available for volunteers willing to take tickets at the door for an hour - contact Gemma or Audrey if interested.]
This event is open to everyone; if you have friends or family who would love a night out to support PS 107, please invite them along!
SPRING SPORTS
BROOKLYN FC
Cheer on the borough's brand new professional women's soccer team as they take on the Tampa Bay Sun on "Rep Your School Night," Saturday, March 29th at 6pm. Various fan experiences will be available if we buy 50 or more tickets. Tickets are $20 (endline) or $35 (sideline) plus processing fee, with $5 from each ticket going to the PTA. Purchase here; contact Gemma with questions.
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. The first 60 people to buy tickets and sign up will get to watch the players warm up from courtside. Tickets are $50 or $55, with $10 from each ticket going to the PTA. Purchase here. Contact Rebecca with questions.
*Tickets for all games are on sale NOW, see Konstella for additional details.
SPRING AUCTION GALA
The jewel in the crown of PS 107's social calendar, the Spring Auction Gala, will be held on Friday, April 4th, 7:00pm - 12:00am at the Prospect Park Picnic House. This event always sells out, so be ready to get your ticket when they go on sale in the coming weeks. Tickets will be $150/person which includes food by Mirian and a margarita open bar sponsored by parent owned Tanteo Tequila.
As ever, the highlight of the evening will be the thrilling live auction. There will also be a silent auction, mystery bags, DJs and dancing.
Don't miss the events leading up to the Gala, namely an online auction and the beloved Time with Teacher raffle!
SPECIAL EVENT: SPRING AUCTION
Our Spring Auction in April is the single largest fundraising event of the year. We need these contributions to make it a success:
- Donate an auction item - We're collecting items to be auctioned NOW. A team is working to secure donations from our local community. If you're interested in being a part of that team please email Audrey.
- Can you or someone you know make a donation? If you own a business or have a good relationship with a business and can assist in providing any donation that would be AMAZING. To make a donation please complete the online form.
- Volunteer -There will be a small number of reduced or free tickets available for volunteers. Please contact Audrey to discuss options if you are interested.
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
For the complete 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school year calendars , please click here.
*Please note that Parent Teacher Conference Day on 3/6 is a non-attendance days for students. This is not reflected in the DOE calendar but was a school based decision.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
February 10 to April 4 - School Surveys Completion Period
February 27 - PS 107 Parent Workshop 8:45 am - in person
March 3 - Parent DEI Workshop: Shaping a Compassionate and Welcoming School Community – Together 7 - 8:30 pm - zoom
March 4 to March 28 - Summer Rising Enrollment Period
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
February 17 to February 21 - Mid Winter Recess (School Closed)
March 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences (School Closed for students)
March 31 - Eid Al-Fitr