The Wednesday Weekly
October 22, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
October has been a busy month at PS 107! Here’s what’s happening across our school community.
Digital Citizenship Month at PS 107
Throughout October, we’ve been honoring Digital Citizenship Month at PS 107. Using curriculum from Common Sense Education, teachers have been leading regular lessons with students on topics such as online privacy, cyberbullying, media balance, and artificial intelligence.
If you’d like to see the materials our teachers are using, you can review them here.
To help families continue these conversations at home, we’re offering two parent workshops this month:
- Supporting Your Tween with Digital Dilemmas — TOMORROW, Thursday, October 23 at 12:00 pm, Zoom
Join School Counselor and Respect for All liaison Sarah Green for a lunchtime discussion focused on helping 4th and 5th grade parents navigate topics like group chats, online boundaries, and social media readiness. Register here.
- Nurturing Healthy Digital Engagement — Wednesday, October 29 at 8:45 am, PS 107 Cafeteria
Led by PS 107 parent and Common Sense East Coast Education Director Tali Horowitz, this in- person session will explore strategies for setting balanced screen-time limits, fostering healthy tech habits, and encouraging thoughtful media use. Register here.
We’re grateful to both Tali and Sarah for helping us guide our students toward safe, respectful, and balanced use of technology.
Safety Drill Update
We will be conducting an Evacuation (Fire) Drill during the week of November 3rd, which will be our third of six this school year. You can learn more about NYCPS emergency readiness protocols here and they can also be found in our parent handbook here.
Additionally, please join this Thursday’s PTA meeting at 7:30 pm on Zoom, where Assistant Principal and Building Response Team leader Ms. Rinah Fernandez-Vasquez will present on PS 107’s safety protocols and procedures.
Parent–Teacher Conferences — Thursday, November 6
Parent–Teacher Conferences are coming up on Thursday, November 6! Please note this is a half-day for students, and there will be no PSACC afterschool that day. All students must be picked up at 11:35 am.
Conference schedule:
Most conferences take place between 1:00–3:00 pm and 4:30–7:30 pm on November 6th, but teachers may schedule at other times if needed.
Most conferences are about 10 minutes, though some may run slightly longer.
Conferences will be held remotely, but families may request an in-person meeting at a mutually agreed-upon time. Classroom teachers will reach out soon to schedule appointments.
If you’d like to schedule a conference with a specialty teacher, please email them directly (staff may not communicate via Konstella as it is not an NYCPS-approved platform for staff):
Ali Annunziato, Physical Education: aannunziato@schools.nyc.gov
Mark Sacoto, Physical Education: msacoto2@schools.nyc.gov
Crystal Barnes, Science (Grades 2–5): cbarnes13@schools.nyc.gov
Julie Brunner Cross, Art: jbrunnercross@schools.nyc.gov
Gary DiFranco, Music: gdifranco2@schools.nyc.gov
Marybeth LoPorto, STEM (PreK–2): mloporto2@schools.nyc.gov
Beginning in the 2021–22 school year, PS 107’s School Leadership Team voted to separate report cards from fall conferences. Therefore, students’ first report cards will be issued on January 30th, in accordance with our grading policy. Therefore, at this initial conference, teachers will share how your child is settling into the school year and discuss progress in reading, writing, and math. They can also review academic screener results, as described in last week’s Wednesday Weekly.
As always, thank you for your partnership and support. From the conversations we’re having about digital citizenship, it’s wonderful to see our community model responsibility, respect, and care — both online and off.
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
FIFTH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Please click here to view the Middle School Information session presentation. The recording was sent via Operoo today.
In addition, we have a D15 middle school list here for you to view and reference. This list is a collaborative effort with fellow PC's in the district. Please keep your eye on Operoo for the most up-to-date information.
PS 107 MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT PANEL - *NEW *
On November 13th at 7pm, there will be a parent panel where former parents come and share information about their experiences with the D15 middle schools.
This is a tradition of "giving back" that provides so much valuable information. We are immensely grateful to have their generous contributions 💙💛
*Please register here!
Please see the information below regarding the Middle School admissions timeline.
Fall 2026 Middle School Admissions Timeline
Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Middle School Application Opens
Monday, November 3, 2025: Deadline to register to test for Mark Twain I.S. 239 (21K239) and District 21 Talent Tests
Friday, December 12, 2025: Middle School Application Closes
Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Middle School Offer Release
These dates are subject to change. Any changes will be announced and communicated directly to families. You can sign up for enrollment updates here and please be sure to check the NYCPS website as well for enrollment information.
Virtual Family Admissions Events:
The NYCPS office of enrollment will host virtual events for families to learn about middle school admissions.
- October 22, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Interpretation in: Chinese (Mandarin), Haitian Creole, Urdu, Ukrainian
- October 23, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Interpretation in: Arabic, French, Russian, Uzbek
Please check the District 15 website here for NYCPS D15 middle school information.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah or Nadia!
DO YOU KNOW AN EXCELLENT TEACHER?
The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching is an annual prize to celebrate outstanding NYC teachers who have shown remarkable dedication to their students and have had a significant impact on their lives and learning.
It is also intended to honor those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership within their school communities. Each year, up to ten teachers will receive a $20,000 unrestricted cash prize.
We welcome nominations for any current, full-time classroom teacher, of any subject or age/grade level, working in a New York City public school (district, charter, or early childhood center).
SAVE FOR COLLEGE - NYC Kids RISE
The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program provides families, schools, and communities
with a way to work together to save for and invest in their children’s futures.
It is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible for public school students. NYC Kids RISE, a non-profit organization, manages the Save for College Program in partnership with NYC Public Schools and the City of New York.
As of school year 2025-2026, students in kindergarten through fourth grade at NYC public schools
(including participating charter schools) are eligible to participate in the Program, no matter what their family income or immigration status is.
Please click below to view additional information regarding this very important initiative in your preferred language. Thank you!
PLEASE JOIN KONSTELLA!
Schoolwide parent to parent communication at PS 107 -- including all communication directly from the PTA -- is sent out via the Konstella platform. This is also where the school calendar "lives". We spend time with our PTA communications team every summer and throughout the year updating this calendar for your reference.
If you are not already signed up for Konstella, please follow the directions here. If you have difficulty or have any questions, please reach out to Nadia Benlarbi, PS 107’s Parent Coordinator at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
*Note that parents cannot connect with PS 107 school staff on the Konstella platform, but you will receive communication from your class parents on this platform!
NYCPS INFORMATION
Please click here to view this update from New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) that includes important dates on the 2025–26 school year calendar, upcoming admissions information, parent-teacher conferences, preparing for remote learning, vaccination requirements, and the new electronic device policy.
*When you click the link you can view the message in your preferred language.
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.
FAMILY INCOME FORMS
All families should complete the Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for their programs , whether or not they qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Completing this form each year ensures that the most accurate information is reflected. For our fifth grade families, family income plays a role in the offering of seats during the middle school process. It is truly in the best interest of our school community to complete these forms.
Please click the link above to access the form.
If you choose to opt out of completing the form and do not wish to provide your household information, please be sure to check the box as indicated in the displayed picture.
Thank you for your assistance! Nadia
DISTRICT 15 FAMILY FOCUS GROUP WITH SUPERINTENDENT ALVAREZ
Why Join? This focus group is for Park Slope D15 schools! 😊
- Recognize and build on what’s working in our schools
- Discuss key issues affecting families
- Work together on solutions to support all students and families
DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
REGISTER IN ADVANCE:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/kIEkdu7KS5OQmgZ3Fh73OA#/registration
MARBLE HEALTH PARENT WORKSHOPS
Managing Screen Time (click to register)
When: THURSDAY OCTOBER 23 @ 8:00 PM
Supporting Children Through Grief and Transition (click to register)
When: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 @ 8:00 PM
Register at https://www.marblehealth.com/parent-workshops 💙
JOIN US FOR THE PS 107 HALLOWEEN 4K LOOP HUSTLE!
When: Sunday, October 26
Where: Prospect Park - corner of west Drive & Center Drive (look for the 107 Track Tent)
Time: Check in begins at 1:30pm / Race begins at 2:00pm
Please sign up HERE!
*Scholarships available, please email leslie.a.mccleary@gmail.com
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Please use this link to sign up to help on race day!
ALL ARE WELCOME! Run, walk, skip, stroll with your pup, (sorry, no bikes)
Costumes are encouraged!
TREATS & PRIZES! Earn your PS 107 Track Jacket if this is your first race with the team!
Enjoy cider and a donut at the end of the loop!
Prizes for the top finisher in each age group!
QUESTIONS?
Contact Coach Leslie (leslie.a.mccleary@gmail.com) or Ms Katie (kcoombe@ps107.org)
THANK YOU!
PS 107 Track Coaches, Ms Katie and Coach Leslie, are running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF). 100% of the event proceeds go directly to CTF to support life changing and life saving research for those living with NF1 and NF2 tumor disorders. We thank you for your support in our effort to #ENDNF! To learn more, please visit www.ctf.org.
CEC 15
CEC 15 Calendar Meeting
When: Tuesday, Oct 28th
Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Where: 4222 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232, 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/q2E43ev8QoqZp0rPhJbYvg
FOSTERING DIGITAL WELL BEING
On Wednesday, October 29th at 8:45am, join Tali Horowitz in the PS 107 Cafeteria to discuss topics such as managing online stress; engaging in healthy digital behaviors; developing practices that support mental, physical, and social well being; and using technology in ways that promote personal growth.
Click here to view the flyer and register.
HELPFUL TIPS
ABSENCES
Please email your child's teacher and cc the parent coordinator, Nadia Benlarbi, to notify them of any absences. Please be sure to include your child's full name and class in the subject line of the absence notification. This is to ensure that our staff who is responsible for attendance keeping can locate the children easily to record it appropriately.
LATE ARRIVAL
Children who arrive late must be escorted into the building by their parent. We have a late arrival sign in sheet on the table located just inside of the main entrance. Parents will sign their child in and then bring them to the main office so the staff can send them up to their classroom. If there is a staff person located by the main entrance table, they can advise the student on next steps at that time.
SCHOOL DAY DISMISSAL/PICK-UP CHANGES
If there is a change to your child’s school day dismissal, please be sure to note the change on the Daily Dismissal form in Operoo.
If it is a same day change, please email your child’s teacher and cc Nadia at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov in addition to making any changes on the Daily Dismissal form.
You can also contact the main office at 718-499-2054.
AFTERSCHOOL DISMISSAL/PICK-UP CHANGES
Please be sure to notify Pamela Rosenberg of any dismissal or pick-up changes that will happen during afterschool specifically. Her email address is director@psafterschool.org .
If you need to add a new pick up person for your child in afterschool, please make sure to update this on 6Crickets (Click Here).
Afterschool and PS 107 partner in many ways, but not with our information applications. They can't access Operoo and we can't access 6Crickets.
Thank you for your assistance in ensuring your child's safety 😊
LOWER GRADES
Please be sure to send your children to school with a full change of clothes. Accidents can happen easily when they are younger as they often get distracted and don’t check in with their bodies. Please be sure to return your child with a new set the next day if they need to be replaced.
LABEL!
Please parents, remember to label your student’s water bottles, lunch boxes, backpacks, and clothing with their full name (last names are essential!) and if there is space, please include their class number. We want to be able to return all fabulous items to their rightful owner!
IDENTIFICATION
When entering the school building you must present your ID to the safety agent when signing in.
One helpful tip is to take a picture of your id. Often, we will have our phone with us even if we don’t have our id. This way, you always have it handy :)
RESOURCES
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.
LOST & FOUND: Next Donation will be in November!
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
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- AFTERSCHOOL - Tips for Success
CLUBS AND MEETINGS:
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly 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!
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the October PTA General Meeting this Thursday, October 23rd, at 7:30pm.
The meeting will take place on Zoom.
AAPI AFFINITY GROUP COFFEE MEET UP
The AAPI Affinity Group would like to invite parents and guardians of PS 107 kids who identify as AAPI to our second monthly coffee meetup on Friday, October 24, 8:30 AM at Pasta Louise (1114 8th Avenue between 11th St. and 12th St.).
This is a great chance to catch up and discuss plans for events ahead, including our Fall Festival table. If you have any questions, please contact group co-leads Neeta Menon (neetamenon1@gmail.com), Avon Khowong (akhowong@gmail.com), and Nisha Aoyama (nisha.lauren@gmail.com).
Looking forward to seeing you there!
DEI COMMITTEE GATHERING
The DEI Committee would like to invite participating parents and guardians who are interested in gathering in community for an evening gathering on Friday, October 24th, at 9:00am at Zatar (1201 8th Ave, between 12th & 13th Streets). This is a great chance to meet fellow committee members, and discuss plans for events and initiatives for the school year. Each month, we plan on holding one morning and one evening gathering to allow for as many people to join as possible. If you have any questions, contact committee co-chairs Samantha Manchester (samantha@ps107.org), and Alma Lacour (alma@ps107.org). Looking forward to having you join!
FOSTERING DIGITAL WELL BEING
On Wednesday, October 29th at 8:45am, join Tali Horowitz from Common Sense Media in the PS 107 Cafeteria to discuss the latest research around kids and tech (including mental health and AI) and how to engage in healthy digital behaviors, and align our tech habits with our values. Leave with resources you can use immediately to talk with your kids and your neighbors!
Click here to view the flyer and register.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
Starting Monday, October 27th, a PS 107 Family has pledged to anonymously match all Annual Fund gifts, dollar for dollar, until we reach $5,000. Here's how to donate:
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.
PIXYIT FUNDRAISER
We’re excited to invite your children to join Passion in Color, a nationwide youth art competition which launched October 3! As part of our partnership with pixyit, your family receives FREE entry with the coupon code on the attached flyer. Kids and teens (ages 5–18) can showcase their creativity, compete for exclusive prizes and join free art workshops announced after sign-up. Don’t miss this chance to inspire your young artist—sign up early and start drawing your passion in colors!
PTA FUN RUN
Join PS 107’s Track Team at this year’s PTA Fun Run on October 25th! (Bib pick-up at 9am, race starts 10am.) The Brooklyn PTA Fun Run is a family-friendly event where Brooklyn PTAs and community members of all ages come together to run/bike/scoot/walk around Prospect Park loop road (approximately 3.3 miles). The goal of the Fun Run is to raise PTA funds for Brooklyn schools with Title I status. This year's run is the same day as our fall festival -- join the run and then stop by the fall festival afterward! Runners from PS107 will gather at a picnic table by the splash pad of LeFrak Center so we can run together. Look for our sign after you pick up your bibs. You can sign up here. Financial assistance is also available. Please reach out to Mary Pratt, mary.pratt@gmail.com, with any questions.
DJ MARC HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY
This year, parents can keep the Halloween energy going without the kids at The Scenario 90’s Dance Party: Halloween Edition on Saturday, October 25 from 8pm - 12pm at Atolye, a brand-new venue at 236 6th Street (between 3rd and 4th Ave). PS 107's own DJ Marc Bars will be spinning, with Tickets at $30, and for every ticket purchased, $20 goes directly to the PS 107 Parent Teacher Association. Please make sure to use the trackable link to purchase. See you on the dance floor!
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:
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
BOOK COLLECTION
Please bring in any gently used ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL READING BOOKS you would like to donate on Friday, October 25th at morning drop-off. Books collected will be sold at the fall festival book sale, all funds raised will be used to purchase holiday gifts for the kindergarten class at PS 169.
FALL FESTIVAL
FALL FESTIVAL NEEDS YOU! The event is fully staffed by volunteers, and we could use help particularly with set-up, staffing the carnival games and inflatables, and drink sales. Parents, older siblings, alumni, grandparents, neighbors--all are welcome to sign up here. Of course there's all the fun too! Fall Festival 2025 tickets are on sale now! Sat, Oct 25 from 12-4pm. We are excited for a great day for our community with activities, games, bouncy houses, food, music, and more. Can't wait to see you there!
*Please contact Nadia for scholarship assistance.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 22 - D15 Family Focus Group with Superintendent Alvarez 6-7pm (Virtual)
October 23 - PTA General Meeting (Virtual - zoom link )
October 25 - Fall Festival 12-4pm
October 28 - CEC 15 Calendar Meeting 6:30 to 9:30
October 29 - Fostering Digital Well-Being with Tali Horowitz from Common Sense Media @ 8:45 am (cafeteria)
October 31- Park Slope Halloween Parade - details TBD
November 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences - Details to follow (Half Day! Students attend 8:20 to 11:35 am, No AFTERSCHOOL)
November 13 - PS 107 Middle School Panel - 7 pm (zoom link to register)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
November 4 - Election Day - Student Non-Attendance Day
November 6 - Parent Teacher Conference Day - Half Day! Students attend 8:20 to 11:35 am (NO AFTERSCHOOL)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!