Dear PS 107 Families,
Ramadan Mubarak to our families who are celebrating! As noted in a message from Parent Coordinator Nadia Benlarbi on Monday, please reach out if your child is fasting, and you would like to make alternate arrangements for their regular lunch periods. We wish you a peaceful Ramadan and an easy fast.
In case you missed it, New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos sent a family letter last week affirming the NYC Public Schools’ support for students and their families who identify as LGBTQ+. At PS 107, we stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ families and students during this very challenging time and will continue to work as hard as ever to ensure that our school is welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination. We continue to adhere to the NYCPS guidelines on gender inclusion, and we continue to provide supports for our LGBTQ+ students.
Furthermore, I would like to reiterate our commitment to PS 107’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As someone who has devoted my career to this work, first in the nonprofit sector and then for 21 years across demographically diverse NYC Public Schools, my commitment — and our commitment as a school — is as unwavering as ever. I am incredibly grateful for the support of our parent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team, our staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, as well as our Student Equity Team. This is the time for parents to get involved! If you would like to join our parent DEI team, please reach out to co-leads Christine Canedo-Pullan or Carolyn Vadino on Konstella.
Parents can also get involved with our Community Outreach Team, which supports our neighboring school communities PS 124 on 14th Street and 4th Avenue, and my former school, PS 169 on 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th streets. Our Community Outreach Team is a mutual aid group. Together, we build community and support one another through challenging times. We also uplift one another and celebrate together. There is a clothing and housewares swap at PS 124 this weekend, Saturday, March 8th, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, which your family can participate in. For more details, see the Konstella announcement, and if you like to get involved with the Community Outreach Team, connect with team lead Julie Schmidt on Konstella.
TOMORROW: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS + PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
As a reminder, there is no school for students tomorrow. Only students who are pre-registered for emergency childcare will be admitted to the building at 8:20 am. (Families who signed up for this will receive details via email this afternoon.)
We will also host Parent-Teacher Conferences tomorrow, 3/6, in the afternoon and evening. By now, you should have signed up for a conference slot with your child(ren)'s teacher(s). All conferences will be virtual, unless otherwise requested.
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 windows as classroom teachers, 1-3 pm and 4:30-7:30 pm.
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, 1st grade reading intervention: avasque5@schools.nyc.gov
As a reminder, you will not receive a report card prior to tomorrow’s Parent-Teacher Conferences. As of Fall 2022, PS 107 distributes report cards twice a year, at the end of January and at the end of June. At this second conference, you can expect your child’s teacher to answer any questions you may have about your child’s first report card, as well as provide you with an update on how they are doing in reading, writing, math, and with social-emotional skills.
NEXT WEEK: SOFT LOCKDOWN DRILL
We will hold our third soft lockdown drill of the school year next Tuesday, March 14th. We are required to hold one more soft lockdown drill before the end of the school year. For more information on NYCPS emergency protocols and drills, please see here.
Finally, we are still collecting individually-wrapped candy and tea for our amazing staff! Please drop off donations in the main office.
Have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
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 are now able to apply for Summer Rising seats in MySchools until Friday, March 28, 2025.
Learn more: schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising
DISTRICT 15 SCHOOL EVENTS *NEW
RAISING ANTIRACIST KIDS FREE FAMILY WORKSHOP
PS 10 is hosting a free family workshop on March 27, 6:30 pm in their auditorium auditorium.
They wanted to open the invitation to our school community.
It is a free event with free pizza and drinks served but they asking everyone to register for a head count.
Please see the image for the QR code to register for this event.
FRANCOPHONE FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate La Francophonie in Brooklyn at the PS 58 3rd Annual Francophone film festival.
Date: SUNDAY MARCH 23, 2025
Time: 8:30AM-6:30PM
Location: PS 58 The Carroll School Auditorium, 330 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
Entrance to this festival is free, concession tickets will be sold.
This is NOT a drop off event; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
LOST & FOUND - Updated 3-5-25
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
CEC 15
Meet the Candidates Community Education Councils Candidate Forum: District 15
Date: March 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
*Please click here to view the candidate choices.
**Please register for this event at the following link: https://learndoe.org/cec/candidateforum
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
RALLY TO SAVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS - 3/13/25
Please join the Coalition for Equitable Education Funding in advocating to save important education programs!
1. Rally to Save Education Programs (3/13 at 9am): Join the Coalition for Equitable Education Funding for a rally to save important education programs at risk of being cut in the city budget. The rally will take place right before the start of the City Council education budget hearing. A flyer is attached.
- Thursday, March 13th, 9:00-10:00am on the steps of City Hall
- Register at https://forms.office.com/r/Hm800LQtL6
- Programs at risk of significant funding cuts as soon as July include 3-K, preschool special education classes, community schools, restorative justice, arts programs, mental health services, immigrant family outreach, and more
It would be great to have parents, students, educators, and others talk about the impact of losing one or more of the education programs on the chopping block. We have posted guidance online with step-by-step instructions for signing up to testify and testifying.
You can register to testify at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/. If you would like sample testimony or additional support, please reply to this email.
3. Email the Mayor: Email Mayor Adams and urge him to extend funding for important education programs in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget:https://bit.ly/NYCEdBudget26
As state budget discussions continue, you can also email Governor Hochul and state legislators and ask them not to shortchange NYC schools:https://bit.ly/DemandFairFunding .
Thank you for your advocacy!
SCREENING 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.
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!
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.
READ-A-THON
The read-a-thon is here!!! NOW through Tuesday, March 18th, students in each class will work together to reach class reading goals -- including the goal of earning free ice cream from Goodiez! If your reader would like to participate, please fill out this form to get started. If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to us at readathon@ps107.org.
Class Reading Goals:
Pre-K: 1,000 minutes
Kindergarten: 2,000 minutes
1st Grade: 4,000 minutes
2nd Grade: 8,000 minutes
3rd Grade: 10,000 minutes
4th Grade: 10,000 minutes
5th Grade: 10,000 minutes
Be on the lookout for the DEI Read-A-Thon BINGO Card in your student's homework folder—it’s a fun way to encourage your child to read books about characters different from themselves! Students who fill out their BINGO card can trade it in for a cool pencil case at the end of the read-a-thon. For help finding children's books that feature characters with diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives, check out the DEI Committee's DEI Booklist spreadsheet. It's a living, growing list that you can use for the Read-A-Thon and beyond!
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 - TICKETS NOW ON SALE
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. Tickets are selling fast! Get yours now on the Auction website. Tickets are $150/person including food and open bar. Please consider covering/contributing to the cost of a teacher’s ticket if you can so that we can enjoy this special event with our wonderful teachers. A small number of discounted tickets are available at $100 each for volunteers working checkout (10:00-11:15pm or 11:00pm-12:00am). Please email auction@ps107.org if you're interested.
If you have an item you'd like to donate, a skill, or a connection you would like to share, please complete our donation form or email auction@ps107.org.
And stay tuned for news of 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 28 to March 18 - Read -A-Thon
March 4 to March 28 - Summer Rising Enrollment Period
March 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences
March 12 - Project Based Learning - D15 Community Event 4 to 7pm (info in Parent Coordinator Updates)
March 13 - Rally to Save Education Programs 9am (info in Parent Coordinator Updates)
March 14 - SCREENING of OF "COUNTED OUT" 5:30 to 7:30 (info in Parent Coordinator Updates)
March 19 - Save the Date! Pre-K and Second Grade Residency Shares (details to follow)
March 27 - Parent Workshop w/Dr. Erica Miller 8:45 am (in person)
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
March 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences (School Closed for students)
March 31 - Eid Al-Fitr (School Closed)
April 14 to April 18 - Spring Recess (School Closed)