The Wednesday Weekly
December 10, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
I hope your December is off to a bright and joyful start. As we head into the holiday season and the final stretch of 2025, I have several important updates to share — from gift-giving guidelines to celebrations of learning, sustainability, and school community.
NYCPS Gift-Giving Policy
With the holidays right around the corner, I want to take a moment to remind families of New York City Public Schools’ regulations regarding gift-giving to city employees, including PS 107 staff members.
Chancellor’s Regulation C-110 governs gift-giving and outlines what is permissible for both individual and class gifts:
Gifts from individuals: Individual students, parents, and guardians may offer gifts to staff at times like holidays or major life events. However, staff may only accept gifts that are principally sentimental in nature and of small financial value.
Gifts from whole classes: Staff may accept gifts from an entire class as long as every student/family has the opportunity to sign the card or note, whether or not they contributed to the gift, and families are not asked to contribute more than a small amount toward a class gift.
Our PS 107 staff is deeply grateful for the generosity and appreciation shown by this community each year. We simply ask that families keep these regulations in mind during the holiday season.
One Book, One School Community: We Celebrate the Light
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team has selected our December/January picture book for our One Book, One School Community project: We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple
This beautiful book explores how cultures around the world bring light to their communities during the darkest days of winter — celebrating warmth, family, hope, and belonging. It highlights multiple winter holidays observed in the U.S., including Diwali, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year.
To learn more about the book and see discussion questions teachers may use in class, please review the letter shared with staff. We encourage you to read the book as a family and continue these conversations at home!
Planet Over Plastic: A Green Committee & 3rd Grade Spotlight
A big shoutout to our parent-led Green Committee for the incredible hallway installation, “Planet Over Plastic,” now on display outside our Cafeteria. All of the plastic used in the installation was collected by PS 107 students and families, and the installation was created collaboratively at Fall Festival.
Its location — directly across from our lunchroom — gives students a daily visual reminder of how much plastic is part of our lives and how our choices impact our planet.
Last Friday, during Family Friday, this installation served as the perfect backdrop for 3rd grade students’ presentations on how we can protect NYC’s waterways from trash and debris that harm ocean ecosystems. These projects were the culminating work of students’ ELA module on oceans, and they were outstanding.
A heartfelt thank you to Green Committee parents Kajal Below, Ligia Matias, and Gemma Niblett for leading the Say No to Plastic project and for their continued efforts to make PS 107 a more sustainable school.
Attendance Reminders
As winter break approaches, we want to remind families of the importance of regular school attendance.
Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 are full school days.
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, our attendance dropped to 73% — compared to our typical daily rate of 96%. While we understand that some families must travel early, if you are not traveling, please make every effort to have your children in school. These days include meaningful instruction, routines, and community time that benefit all students. Thank you for helping us maintain strong attendance across the school year!
Seeking Help: Improving Cafeteria Acoustics
We are actively exploring ways to improve the sound quality and acoustics in our Cafeteria, which can get quite loud during lunch periods.
Are you an expert in sound/acoustics? Or simply someone who knows more about this than we do (which is very possible!)? If you can offer insight, support, or recommendations, please reach out to me at:
jcohen72@schools.nyc.gov
Thank you for your partnership, your thoughtfulness, and the generosity you show this community every day. I hope this season brings warmth, light, and moments of rest to you and your family.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
NYCPS MESSAGES FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Empowering Strong and Healthy Students: The NYCPS School Wellness Policy
CEC 15 & CHANCELLOR TOWN HALL
Sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the recent Chancellor's Town Hall, whether virtually or in-person. If you weren't able to be there, we invite you to watch the recording.
Your thoughtful questions helped us engage in a meaningful conversation with the Chancellor, one that we know will be one step in ongoing advocacy to support our schools and families.
While there was not time to answer every question, we have shared all questions with the Chancellor for follow-up and will pass her responses to the community when we receive them.
How New York Families Can Save for College — and How Some Have $100 Already
Click here to view this informative article regarding the NYC Kids Rise Save for College program.
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.
THE 29th ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
CAMBA in combination with the Park Slope Women's Shelter invites you to join them for holiday lights, festive music & sweet treats as they celebrate the magic of the season!
Date: Thursday, December 11th
Time: 6pm
Where: Park Slope Women's Shelter at the Park Slope Armory
MARBLE HEALTH DECEMBER & JANUARY WORKSHOPS
Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Your Child with Stress
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 @ 6:00 PM
Supporting Students with Academic and Test Anxiety
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 @ 8:00 PM
Navigating the Autism Spectrum: Helping Your Child Learn, Connect & Thrive (New!)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 @ 8:00 PM
Ayudando a los niños a tener éxito: Estrategias para la función ejecutiva (en español)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 @ 7:00 PM
Helping Kids Succeed: Executive Function Strategies
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 @ 6:00 PM
Managing Screen Time
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 @ 8:00 PM
HAPPY REINDEER RUN!
GET YOUR UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS AND GEAR AND GET READY FOR OUR ANNUAL FESTIVE RUN!
Woohoo – lots of “antlers,” prizes, and medals are in store for everyone On Sunday, December 14th when the PS 107 Track Team will hold their annual Bandit Reindeer Run 5K in Prospect Park!
This 5K is open to PS 107 track team members, parents, friends, family, siblings and other PS 107 students and families. You just need to (Parents, if your child is in 2nd grade or below please plan on having an adult run with your child for safety.) We will run the big loop and finish on Center Drive.
As an extra special holiday treat, the PS 107 Cheer Squad will once again wow us with a pre-race cheer routine as well as ongoing cheering for our runners at the finish line!!
The money raised will go to the Y to give the gift of fitness to those in need in our community.
Sign up for the race through the YMCA Virtual Run 2025 - Park Slope Y - Virtual 5K - Campaign and let us know EVERYONE who is running so we can get enough “antlers.”
Check -in on Center Drive at 1:00 pm
Start at 2 pm from Lake Drive
When: December 16
Time: 6:30 PM
Where
- In-Person: 131 Livingston St Room 301, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Virtual: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/O4QzyG2UQTG3j4VcIsdMxA
SHARE THE WARMTH
PS 295 is hosting a coat giveaway for families in the community.
This is open to all caregivers in district 15.
It's first come first serve.
Date/Time: Thursday, December 17th from 4-6 pm.
Location: 330 18th street at the PS 295 School Gym.
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
PS 107 FOOD PANTRY
If your family is experiencing food insecurity, please stop by the food pantry!
It is stocked with shelf stable staples and reusable bags are provided.
Sign in with Agent Sharon and tell her that you are going to the cafeteria.
The pantry is located in the basement, across from the cafeteria. It is in the single student bathroom area, in the line of cabinets.
Food Pantry Hours: 8am to 10:30 am Monday through Friday
LOST & FOUND: Donated!
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!
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: Gratitude
This month, our students are beginning the Gratitude unit in our PurposeFull People social-emotional learning curriculum. They’ll explore what it means to recognize and express appreciation — for people, experiences, and even small daily moments that bring joy.
Families can find ideas for extending these lessons at home here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
SCHOOL NEWS
- No Afterschool on December 23rd
- Independent Kids Committee: Wednesday, December 10th Meeting on Walking to School By Ourselves
- Help Update Our Chicken Run! 12-13-25
- Closing the Year Strong with Aid & Action
- PS 107 6th Annual Reindeer Run and Holiday Cheer in Prospect Park
- PS 107 PTA November Meeting Link
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
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Every Thursday at 7am, weather permitting, students in grades K-5 and their 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 where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 30 minute run/trot/jog. No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
INDEPENDENT KIDS COMMITTEE MEETING
Are you walk-to-school curious? Come join the Independent Kids Committee meeting at Trees Lounge @ the Nitehawk TONIGHT from 8pm-9pm to talk about Walking to School By Ourselves! In an informal meet-up, we'll have parents whose kids walk by themselves, a one-sheet with tips and advice, and maybe even the will to start a parent support group for independent walkers. Let Tyghe Trimble (tyghent@gmail.com) or Christine Coady (christinecoady@gmail.com) know if you can make it — or are interested but can't make it and would like more information.
PSSE MONTHLY MEETING
Please join the Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) Committee for our monthly meeting on Thursday, December 11, from 12:00 PM – 1:00pm. We will discuss tips for supporting ADHD students with a discussion led by local psychology practice Interactive Discovery. Join from Zoom Workplace app - Zoom, all are welcome.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND: DONATIONS DOUBLED
We haven't yet met our ambitious $20,000 matching gift challenge, but we are over halfway there!! Gifts from the PS107 Community - INCLUDING SOME AMAZING GRANDPARENTS - totaled $10,177 since Giving Tuesday. If you're planning to make your Annual Fund donation in 2025, please donate today and help us unlock this generous match. The matching campaign ends on Friday, December 12th, so we only have a few more days to go!
This week's campaign will make a big difference in how we end the year. Please make a gift that's meaningful for your family in the following ways:
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.
FOLEY FIRS CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER
Foley Firs will be selling Christmas Trees on 8th Ave and 8th St from now until Monday December 23rd. Free delivery! Mention PS 107 when buying your tree and Foley Firs will donate $10 to our PTA for each tree sold. You can also order online - be sure to enter PS107 during checkout. Reach out to foleychristmastrees@gmail.com for more details.
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:
Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
Bread Packages
Lunch Meat Packages
Eggs
Tortillas
Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
Microwavable meals
Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
Fruit Cups
Fresh Fruit
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and
Plastic cutlery
Paper towels
Lysol/clorox wipes
Ground coffee
Mac and cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Shelf stable milk (32oz)
Water (16.9 oz)
Canned beans
Pasta
Rice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Canned meats (tuna/sardine/chicken)
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Eggs
Butter
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.
POWERHOUSE BOOK FAIR
Classes have begun attending the Powerhouse Book Fair and students have been making wonderful selections! Parents and guardians, if you or your child pre-ordered a book from Powerhouse, please stop in anytime between now and Sunday, December 14th to pick up your title(s). If you did NOT pre-order but would like to stop in to shop, Powerhouse will continue to donate 20% of all PS 107 book sales to the PTA until Sunday, December 14th. To participate, please be sure to mention PS 107 at check-out. Happy reading!
WINTER GEAR SALE
We’ve got your winter gear needs covered! On Friday, December 12th, from 8am-9am, and 2pm-6pm, you can get ahead of your holiday shopping with new Zip-Up Sweatshirts, Quarter-Zips, and Sweatpants. Stop by the great sale outside the main entrance to show your school spirit while crossing some items off your holiday shopping list!
WINTER CRAFT FAIR
Come peruse our Holiday Market at our Winter Art & Craft Fair this Saturday, December 13th, from 11AM-2PM!
What is the Art & Craft Fair? A Holiday Market meets an Art Contest plus Arts & Crafts activities for the kids. There will be hot cocoa, popcorn, & empanadas to enjoy while you polish off your holiday shopping from local artists & businesses with 25% of sales benefitting our PS 107 PTA. Admission is free and open to the public – bring your friends & family!
Donate Treats to the Bake Sale!
Drop off a treat or baked good for our bake sale to the Big Yard the morning of the event from 10:00-10:30. Sign up on Konstella.
Volunteer at this Festive Event!
This event runs on volunteers! We need parents – you! – to lend a hand, please sign up on Konstella.
(RE) GIFT SHOP
Find some great holiday presents for kids and adults at our first (re)Gift Shop!
How does it work?
Gather any like-new/gently used, very giftable items that you’re ready to pass along.
Bring them to the (re)Gift Shop table in the Big Yard from 10:00am on Saturday, December 13.
Shop for treasures for everyone on your list from 11:00-2:00.
What to donate?
Any and all of the following that are in great condition (would you buy it secondhand?)
Toys & Games
Home Decor
Housewares
Non-kids books
House Plants
Giftable items!
Why re-Gift?
It’s sustainable - buying secondhand reduces demand for new production, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution. And it reduces goods going to landfill.
It’s affordable - buying used is often cheaper than buying new items.
It’s a nice habit to begin and normalize for our kids.
You could find something really unique.
All proceeds will support Aid & Action Committee projects!
*Any unsold items will be returned to their donor.
STAFF HOLIDAY POTLUCK
It's the most delicious time of the year at PS 107! Let's treat teachers and staff to the Annual Holiday Potluck on Friday, December 19th. This includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon treats. Potlucks are a wonderful PS107 tradition; teachers and staff revel in all of the delicious foods and treats that families bring. There are a multitude of ways for everyone contribute to this event, so please check out the list on Konstella and if you are able, sign-up to bring a dish, help set up, serve, or clean!
LICE CHECK
The PTA organizes school-wide lice checks as needed throughout the year to help prevent and/or contain the spread of lice around our school. The next check will take place on Thursday, January 8th. Please contribute to the cost of school-wide, professional lice checks by submitting a one time payment of $15 per child using this link: Lice Checks Once Annual Fee
BROOKLYN NETS GAME FUNDRAISER
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. Tickets are $55 (lower level) or $30 (upper level), with $10 from every ticket going directly to the PTA. Purchase tickets here. *Get your tickets by January 7, 2026 to get the best price and to guarantee your seats will be in the PS 107 reserved sections.
*Please contact Nadia for scholarship information :💙💛
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter and save the date for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. On Friday, February 6, from 6-10pm, you can sing live band karaoke with The Occasionalists at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) -- or simply dance, drink and cheer on the talent. This event is open to everyone so if you have friends or family who would love a night out and to support PS 107, please invite them to save the date, too!
DISNEY ON ICE
Save the date: On Sunday, February 1st, at 1pm, join PS 107 families at the Barlcays Center where Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a fast-paced, family-friendly production that follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle’s enchanted chandelier, sing with Elsa, and watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises - all while raising money for the PTA. Featuring spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, this is sure to be an event to remember!
Tickets on sale now through Zeffy.
*Please contact Nadia for scholarship information :💙💛
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CHICKEN RUN RENOVATION
Our chicken run needs a few updates and we are hoping to find volunteers available on Saturday, December 13th, at 10am, to help! We will need to move the coop within the run, build a notch to allow school maintenance staff access to the drain, and install new wire fencing around the run. We are looking for a parent with light carpentry skills to help direct the project and then as many assistants as we can get to help move the coop and install the fencing. Tools (including staple guns, drills or impact drivers, and a saw) would also be helpful. If you're available to help out please sign up on Konstella and/or email zoe.young@gmail.com for more information.
GRADE LEVEL BOOK CLUBS ARE BACK!
Love books and building community? PS 107 Book Clubs are gearing up for another great year—and we’re looking for a few volunteers to help make it happen! Grades 3, 4, and 5 still have openings for Book Club Leads (or co-leads) to help plan and host their grade’s monthly book club gatherings. If you’re interested in helping out — we’d love to hear from you! Email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org to learn more or sign up.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 8 to 12 - Powerhouse Bookfair
December 11 - Holiday Tree Lighting at the Park Slope Women's Shelter/Armory 6pm
December 12
- 4th Grade NDI Residency Performance
- Middle School Application closes
December 13
- Winter Craft Fair 11am - 2pm
Chicken Run Renovation 10am
December 14 - PS 107 REINDEER RUN
December 17 - Share the Warmth Coat Giveaway @ PS 295 4-6 pm
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
December 23- No Afterschool at PS 107
December 24 to January 2 : Winter Recess School Closed
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!