The Wednesday Weekly
March 25, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
At our March SLT meeting, we had an in-depth conversation about which grades to prioritize for class size reduction in the 2026–27 school year, assuming we receive additional funding from NYCPS to open new classrooms, which we have not yet been approved for. We want to share where things stand.
Here is the grade-by-grade picture:
Kindergarten and 1st grade currently have 25 or fewer students per class. While the class size law asks us to reach 20, our hope is that NYCPS will eventually allow us to reduce enrollment — ideally in 2027–28 — which would naturally bring these grades to 20 students per class without requiring additional classrooms.
Current 1st grade (next year's 2nd grade): 93 students across 3 classes, or about 31 students per class. A 4th class would bring that to approximately 23 students per class.
Current 2nd grade (next year's 3rd grade): 91 students across 3 classes, or about 30 students per class. A 4th class would bring that to approximately 23 students per class.
Current 3rd grade (next year's 4th grade): 80 students across 3 classes, or about 26–27 students per class. A 4th class would bring that to 20 students per class.
Current 4th grade (next year's 5th grade): 87 students across 3 classes, or about 29 students per class. A 4th class would bring that to approximately 21–22 students per class. However, adding a 4th section would disrupt the departmentalized 5th grade model, and based on feedback from the grade, there is a preference not to do so next year.
In terms of space, we have one full-sized classroom available (room 302) and likely one half-sized classroom (rooms 403 or 401). We are also exploring the possibility of using a room at the Armory as a cluster space, though that conversation is in its very early stages.
A few important constraints shape our planning:
Per the NYCPS Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE), we are not permitted to close our PreK class next year.
Using room 302 would displace our Science cluster program. We are exploring whether both Art and Science could move to the 4th floor temporarily — not an ideal solution given noise levels, but one our cluster teachers may be willing to consider in order to maintain dedicated space.
Using rooms 403 or 401 would displace either our OT/PT program or our Music program, both of which rely on large equipment and instruments that are not easy to move.
This scenario may also mean closing our Library. We want to name that honestly — it would be a real loss. And yet, based on feedback from both parents and staff, it appears to be something our community is willing to consider if it means meaningful class size relief.
Given all of the above, the SLT has decided to prioritize next year's 2nd and 3rd grades. Pending receipt of additional funding, the plan would most likely be:
Open a full-sized 4th section of 2nd grade (~23 students per class)
Open a half-sized 4th section of 3rd grade (~15 students), which would bring the remaining three 3rd grade classes to approximately 25 students each
We want to be transparent: depending on natural attrition, these smaller classes may not fully meet the mandates of the class size law, but it would meaningfully relieve pressure on two of our most impacted grade levels. We will continue to have conversations with 3rd grade teachers about how this would work in practice and how to address any inequities that result from one class being measurably smaller than the others.
If we do not receive NYCPS funding, we have made the PTA aware that any additional support they are able to provide may help us pursue this plan regardless. (Shameless plug: Your donations to the Annual Fund may help make this a reality!)
Finally, recent local reporting continues to suggest that the state may extend the class size compliance deadline, and that the city's current budget picture makes additional funding uncertain. You can read more here.
NYC School Survey — Please Complete Yours Today!
The 2026 NYC School Survey is open through Wednesday, April 1st — that is just one week away! Our current parent response rate is 38%, and we would love to reach at least 70%. Last year at this time, 50% of families had already completed the survey, so we have some catching up to do!
The survey helps us hear from as wide a range of families as possible, and your feedback shapes how we think about our school. It takes just a few minutes. If you received a paper copy in your child's backpack last week, you can complete it that way — or take it online at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Click "Take the 2026 NYC School Survey" and enter your access code: a lowercase "f" followed by your child's OSIS number.
And don't forget: the PTA is sponsoring a pizza party for every class that reaches a 95% completion rate. No class has qualified yet — your child’s class could be the first! Complete the survey and make it happen!
Screen Use at PS 107: We Want to Hear from You
Also at our March SLT meeting, we began an important conversation about PS 107's Screen Use Policy. As a first step, we have created a brief, open-ended survey to gather input from families on what you would most like to learn about screen use at our school. Please take a few minutes to complete it by Monday, April 13th — the day we return from Spring Break.
Your responses will help us plan a Screen Use Information Session this Spring. We look forward to hearing from you!
NYS Testing Reminder
A quick reminder that New York State testing for students in grades 3–5 is coming up after Spring Break:
NYS ELA Test (Grades 3–5): Wednesday, April 15th and Thursday, April 16th
NYS Math Test (Grades 3–5): Thursday, April 30th and Friday, May 1st
NYS Science Test (Grade 5 only): Wednesday, May 13th
All tests are computer-based this year. Our teachers are actively preparing students in a way that is low-key and as stress-free as possible — we see these tests as one measure among many, and we want children to feel calm and confident going in.
Parents of students in grades 3–5 have the right to refuse NYS testing for their child. If you are considering this, please first reach out to your child's teacher to talk it through. If you then wish to move forward with opting out, please contact me directly — we are required to keep a written record at school and will of course respect your decision.
You can review the NYS Testing Student Participation Guide in English, En español, باللغة العربية.
Save the Date: Family Friday, April 17th
Spring Break will be here before we know it — and right on the other side of it is our next Family Friday! Please save the date for Friday, April 17th, 8:20–9:10 AM (1st period). We would love to see you there.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
OPEROO/ FORMS AND FLOWS UPDATE
As part of their continuing improvement to the new Forms & Flows UI (user interface) they have updated the branding on system emails sent from Operoo to reflect our new Forms & Flows product name and visual identity. While the look and name in the email header now match the Forms & Flows brand, the content and functionality of these messages remain the same.
2026 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY!
As of Monday, March 23, our parent response rate is 38%. This does not take into account the surveys that have been mailed in within the last 2 to 3 weeks as it takes time to be reflected in our numbers.
The most important part of participating in the school survey is that we as a school get to hear your voice and that our school reflects the message that every voice matters. Please be sure to let us know how we are doing and complete the survey if you have not done so already 💙💛
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- 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 🫶
LATE ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Students Who Arrive Before 8:45- Parents/Caregivers check in with Ms. Brigid by the main entrance
Students Who Arrive After 8:45
- Parents/Caregivers sign in with Agent Sharon
- Parents/Caregivers bring the student into the main office and leave them with the staff there so they can call the classroom first.
Morning Drop-Off: A Reminder After Math Magic and Book Club
A quick but important reminder about morning drop-off procedures after Math Magic and Book Club programs end.
For students in grades 2–5: when Math Magic or Book Club ends each morning, students must go directly to the Big Yard to be picked up by their teachers. They may not go up to their classrooms on their own or with a parent before 8:20 am. Parents should exit the building through the main entrance.
For K–1 students: they may go directly to their classrooms, but only at 8:20 am or later. If it is before 8:20 am, parents should bring them to their outdoor drop-off locations
*Please keep in mind that all students must be accompanied by their guardian to these programs as they are not drop off events. Thank you so much for your continued partnership.
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: We Will Donate before Spring Break!
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
- Missed the March PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
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.
CEC15
CEC15 is proud to support an upcoming event hosted by POGEK (Parents of Gender Expansive Kids) at PS 39, and we warmly invite you to join.
In celebration of Trans Day of Visibility, the Gender Expansive Families Propaganda Party is a free, family-friendly afternoon of art-making, connection, and community.
Participants will create t-shirts, posters, buttons, zines, and more to uplift and support gender expansive youth and families.
The word “propaganda” is used intentionally. Rooted in the idea of spreading ideas, this event reclaims the term as a creative and joyful way to make messages of visibility, belonging, and solidarity.
Come to make something, meet neighbors, and be part of a welcoming, intergenerational space. You are welcome to bring your own t-shirts, tote bags, or other items to print on, and materials will also be available at no cost.
📆Sunday, March 29
⏰ 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
📍 Interference Archive : 314 7th Street, Brooklyn
This event is free and open to all. We hope you will join us.
MARBLE HEALTH FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Supporting Students Through Grief and Transition
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 @ 7:00 PM
Navigating the Autism Spectrum: Helping Your Child Learn, Connect & Thrive
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 @ 8:00 PM
Cómo afrontar los retos de salud estudiantil actuales: vapeo, alcohol y otras sustancias (en español)
JUEVES, 9 DE ABRIL A LAS 7:00PM
Supporting Students with Academic and Test Anxiety
TUESDAY, APRIL 14 @ 7:00 PM
Encontrar la calma en el caos: Ayudar a los estudiantes a gestionar la ansiedad política (En español)
MARTES, 21 DE ABRIL A LAS 7:00PM
Helping Kids Succeed: Executive Function Strategies
TUESDAY, APRIL 28 @ 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!
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.
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
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.
ACADEMIC & SOCIAL EMOTIONAL 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
Missed the March PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
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
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are nearing the end of the year but have not yet reached our goal. Please help us get over the finish line with your donation! 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.
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.
SPRING MOVIE NIGHT
Save the date and get ready to enjoy a movie with PS107 friends and families on Friday, May 1st at 7pm. (Doors open at 6:30pm.)
The PTA organizes 'Movie Nights' twice a year. These are fun nights out for families and raise some money for the PTA. This spring, you and your kiddos can enjoy the big screen, outdoors, in PS 107's Big Yard! Volunteers will be selling pizza, popcorn, candy and drinks. All proceeds go to the PTA. Stay tuned for additional details, and be sure to watch for the ticket drop on Konstella - they are sure to sell out fast!
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 PTA 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 by Wednesday, April 1st; we’d be happy to talk it through!
School Leadership Team:
During the PTA meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 9am, we will hold elections for next year's PTA Board and 2 parent positions on the School Leadership Team, or 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. 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 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. You can learn more about SLT here. 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) by Wednesday, April 1st.
Spring Auction Donations Needed:
WINE WALL
Please consider donating a bottle of wine to help stock the Wine Wall. Every bottle — at any price point — helps make this exciting new feature a success and supports our school. Wine donations will be collected at RIDER (1016 8th Ave, between 10th & 11th St) from NOW until the week of Auction during store hours: 12pm - 7pm. Thank you for helping us raise a glass to something new at this year’s Gala!
AUCTIONABLE ITEMS
We're STILL collecting items to be auctioned NOW. Can you or someone you know make a donation? If you own a business or have a good relationship with a business: please give to the auction and complete the online form.
Want to get involved? Email auction@ps107.org.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 26 - D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM (in person)
March 27 - Summer Rising Application Closes
April 15 & 16 - NYS ELA Testing for Grades 3 to 5
April 17 - Family Friday 8:20 to 9:10 am
April 22 - 2026 MULTILINGUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 10 AM-12 PM
April 30 & May 1- NYS Math Test for Grades 3 to 5
May 1 - Spring Movie Night in the Big Yard
May 13 - NYS Science Test — Grade 5 only
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
April 2 to 10 - Spring Recess (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!